Who painted Cochons au soleil (Pigs in the Sun)?

Cochons au soleil (Pigs in the Sun) was painted by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1878.

Where can I see Cochons au soleil (Pigs in the Sun)?

Cochons au soleil (Pigs in the Sun) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Cochons au soleil (Pigs in the Sun)?

Cochons au soleil (Pigs in the Sun) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Cochons au soleil (Pigs in the Sun)

Félix-Hilaire Buhot , 1878

Cochons au soleil (Pigs in the Sun) 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. Cochons au soleil, or Pigs in the Sun, is a print created around 1878 by French artist Félix‑Hilaire Buhot.

About this work

Overview

The image depicts a group of domestic pigs basking on a flat ground, rendered with a balance of dark line work and lighter tonal areas.

Cochons au soleil, or Pigs in the Sun, is a print created around 1878 by French artist Félix‑Hilaire Buhot. Executed on tan Japanese paper, the work combines etching, drypoint, aquatint, roulette and stipple techniques. The image depicts a group of domestic pigs basking on a flat ground, rendered with a balance of dark line work and lighter tonal areas. The piece belongs to the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures a quiet, everyday moment: several pigs lie in a sun‑lit setting, some curled, others stretched out, suggesting a state of repose. The minimal background—only a few sparse bushes and an unobtrusive sky—keeps attention on the animals’ forms and the play of light across their bodies, emphasizing a simple, observational approach to rural life.

Technique & Style

Buhot employed a mixture of intaglio processes. Etching provides the primary linear framework, while drypoint adds rich, velvety edges. Aquatint creates broad tonal washes that suggest sunlight, and roulette and stipple work introduce fine texture and gradations. The combination yields a nuanced surface where dark fur lines contrast with lighter, sun‑kissed patches, illustrating the artist’s skill in manipulating multiple printmaking methods on a single sheet.

History & Provenance

The work dates to the late 1870s, a period when Buhot was exploring varied print techniques to capture contemporary scenes. After changing hands among private collectors, the print entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings, where it has been displayed as part of the museum’s representation of 19th‑century French printmaking.

Context

Created during a time when French artists were increasingly interested in everyday subjects, the print reflects the realist tendency to portray ordinary rural life without idealization. The use of Japanese paper aligns with the period’s fascination with Japonisme, which influenced many European printmakers to adopt Asian materials and aesthetic sensibilities.