Who painted A cette lueur soudaine... (In the sudden gleam of light...)?

A cette lueur soudaine... (In the sudden gleam of light...) was painted by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1878.

Where can I see A cette lueur soudaine... (In the sudden gleam of light...)?

A cette lueur soudaine... (In the sudden gleam of light...) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is A cette lueur soudaine... (In the sudden gleam of light...)?

A cette lueur soudaine... (In the sudden gleam of light...) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

A cette lueur soudaine... (In the sudden gleam of light...)

Félix-Hilaire Buhot , 1878

A cette lueur soudaine... (In the sudden gleam of light...) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. A cette lueur soudaine.

About this work

Overview

A cette lueur soudaine... (In the sudden gleam of light...) is a print created by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1878, combining etching, drypoint, and softground etching techniques on Japanese paper in black ink.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a tumultuous scene in a dark, stormy town square, with a crowd in panic, buildings looming, and smoke rising from a fire. The composition suggests a moment of sudden fear or disaster.

Technique & Style

Buhot employed rough, jagged lines to convey chaos, notably in the sky where softground etching created a grainy, swirling effect resembling smoke. Informal, sketchy figures and flames adorn the paper's edges.

History & Provenance

Created in 1878, specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

The work reflects Buhot's use of etching techniques to capture dynamic, emotionally charged scenes, characteristic of his exploration of light, shadow, and human response to turmoil.

Legacy

The print demonstrates Buhot's innovative application of mixed etching techniques to evoke atmosphere and emotion, contributing to the development of expressive printmaking in the late 19th century.