It Rocks but is Not Sunk

Charles Meryon, 1854

MEDIUMEtching on ivory laid paper
DIMENSIONSImage: 17.2 × 15.9 cm (6 13/16 × 6 5/16 in.); Plate: 17.2 × 15.9 cm (6 13/16 × 6 5/16 in.); Sheet: 26.8 × 18.7 cm (10 9/16 × 7 3/8 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago
COLLECTIONPrints and Drawings
CULTUREFrance
CREDIT LINEElizabeth Hammond Stickney Collection

Stop to examine this dramatic etching of a ship caught in a violent storm, listing but not yet lost. It's a powerful scene of resilience against nature's fury, rendered with striking contrasts of light and shadow.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

A lone ship, listing dramatically but clearly not yet submerged, dominates this etching. The title, "It Rocks but is Not Sunk," hints at a precarious balance, a moment of crisis yet also resilience. Dark, turbulent clouds gather above, mirroring the chaos of the sea and emphasizing the vessel's vulnerability. Despite the storm, the ship's mast remains defiantly upright, its sails furled, suggesting a battle fought and perhaps a temporary truce with the elements. The stark contrasts of light and shadow, typical of the etching medium, amplify the drama, drawing the eye to the frothing waves and the ship's textured hull. This print captures a powerful narrative of survival against overwhelming odds, a compelling scene that invites contemplation on perseverance in the face of adversity.

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What to Notice

1

The ship's severe tilt, yet it remains afloat.

2

The dark, churning clouds above the vessel.

3

The detailed texture of the waves and ship's hull.

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Audio Deep Dive

Stop to examine this dramatic etching of a ship caught in a violent storm, listing but not yet lost. It's a powerful scene of resilience against nature's fury,…

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THE ARTIST
CM
Charles Meryon 1821–1868
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