La remontée de bateaux sur le Rhône

Executed in oil on canvas, Dubuisson employs a muted palette to render the sky, water, and distant mountains, while brighter tones highlight the figures and horses in the foreground. Loose brushwork conveys movement, and the layered atmospheric perspective creates depth, guiding the eye toward the river’s flow.

Created in 1843, the painting entered the collection of the Musée des Beaux‑Arts de Lyon, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in documenting regional scenes and the everyday life of the Rhône valley during the mid‑19th century.

During the early 1800s, the Rhône served as a vital commercial artery, and the transport of boats by animal power was a common sight. Dubuisson’s depiction aligns with contemporary interest in genre scenes that document ordinary labor, offering insight into the socioeconomic fabric of the era.