It Rocks but is Not Sunk by Charles Meryon

It Rocks but is Not Sunk

Charles Meryon · 1854

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“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.”

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.

DETAILS
Artist
Charles Meryon
Date
1854
Medium
Etching on ivory laid paper
Location
Art Institute of Chicago
Dimensions
Image: 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.)
Collection
Prints and Drawings
Culture
France
Credit line
Elizabeth Hammond Stickney Collection
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What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

It Rocks but is Not Sunk
01

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

02

The dark, churning clouds above the vessel.

03

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

04

The lone, upright mast against the stormy sky.

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