Artwork

Evening

Evening, by Félix Bracquemond, ink, 1882
Evening, by Félix Bracquemond, ink, 1882

Evening is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Félix Bracquemond. It dates from 1882 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Evening is a print created by French artist Félix Henri Bracquemond in 1882, utilizing etching and drypoint techniques on Japanese paper. This landscape captures a serene evening scene, characterized by a warm, golden sky with a setting sun behind trees, a reflective stream in the foreground, and an overall atmosphere of peace.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Evening is a tranquil evening landscape, where a row of trees stands against a warm, golden sky with the sun setting behind them. A small, reflective stream runs through the foreground, mirroring the sky's hues. The depiction of nature in a state of serene transition from day to night conveys a sense of calm and serenity.

Technique & Style

Bracquemond employed etching and drypoint on Japanese paper to create Evening. The choice of Japanese paper reflects his involvement in the Japonisme movement, which emphasized cross-cultural artistic exchange. The techniques used allowed for expressive line work and tonal variations, capturing the subtle play of light in the evening scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 1882, Evening is part of Bracquemond's body of work that contributed to the revival of printmaking in France. Bracquemond was influential in his time, impacting artists such as Manet and Degas. He was also known for his ceramic designs inspired by Japanese aesthetics. Bracquemond was married to Impressionist painter Marie Bracquemond.

Context

Evening reflects the artistic currents of its time, including the early influence of Japonisme and the resurgence of interest in printmaking. Bracquemond's engagement with these trends positioned him at the intersection of French and Japanese artistic dialogues, alongside his contributions to the broader Impressionist and print revival movements.

Legacy

While specific details on the direct legacy of Evening are not provided, Bracquemond's overall contribution to the revival of printmaking and his role in popularizing Japonisme in France have had lasting impacts on European art. His influence can be seen in subsequent generations of artists who explored similar techniques and thematic interests.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Félix Bracquemond

Artist

Félix Bracquemond

Félix Henri Bracquemond (French pronunciation: ; 22 May 1833 – 29 October 1914) was a French painter, etcher, and printmaker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.