Artwork

Butte aux Cailles

Butte aux Cailles, by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, watercolor, 1873
Butte aux Cailles, by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, watercolor, 1873

Butte aux Cailles is a watercolor drawing by the Impressionist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Butte aux Cailles is a watercolor drawing created by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1873. It is a representation of a Parisian hill and is held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts the Butte aux Cailles, a quiet hill in Paris. Buhot's affection for damp weather is reflected in the scene, which captures the softness of a drizzly day.

Technique & Style

Buhot employed thin, layered glazes to achieve a sense of depth and luminosity. The blending of blues and greens creates a wet, atmospheric effect, characteristic of his outdoor painting style.

Context

Buhot often worked outdoors, even in inclement weather, which influenced his depiction of skies and color palette. His preference for damp conditions is evident in the heavy, soft quality of his work.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Félix-Hilaire Buhot

Artist

Félix-Hilaire Buhot

Félix-Hilaire Buhot (1847–1898) was a French artist, born in Valognes.

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