Title: National Centennial Exhibition of New Zealand Art Catalogue

Editor: A. H. McLintock

Publication details: Department of Internal Affairs, 1940, Wellington

Part of: The New Zealand Centennial Publications

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page 55

Charles Meryon

Charles Meryon (1821-1866) was born in Paris. His father wished him to have a career in the French Navy, and, obtaining a commission to Le Rhin, he sailed for New Zealand in 1842 under Captain Bérard, who had already visited it with Dumont d'Urville. The corvette was stationed at Akaroa, and Meryon, who had had a few drawing lessons at Toulon, sketched in the surroundings. He meant to take up painting seriously, but finding himself to be colour-blind, decided to take up etching instead. He etched eleven plates of South Sea subjects, including several from his New Zealand sketches.

216            AKAROA (etching)

217            BANKS PENINSULA (etching)

Lent by the National Art Gallery, Wellington