Chevrier's Cold Bath (Bain-froid Chevrier)

The "Bain-froid Chevrier" in Paris was one of the floating cold water baths and swimming schools for both sexes that opened along the Seine River during the summer months. Charles Meryon’s choice of this subject is part of his general fondness for waterways and bridges, which relates to his youthful service as a naval officer. On his far-flung voyages, he took the opportunity to sketch, later becoming a master craftsman and an exacting perfectionist in the printer’s art. In the dedication of his suite of Paris etchings, Meryon aligned the act of etching with sailing at sea, based on the sense of freedom that was fundamental to both.