Who painted Jacques Cazotte's "Le Diable amoureux" (1st vignette)?

Jacques Cazotte's "Le Diable amoureux" (1st vignette) was painted by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1878.

Where can I see Jacques Cazotte's "Le Diable amoureux" (1st vignette)?

Jacques Cazotte's "Le Diable amoureux" (1st vignette) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Jacques Cazotte's "Le Diable amoureux" (1st vignette)?

Jacques Cazotte's "Le Diable amoureux" (1st vignette) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Jacques Cazotte's "Le Diable amoureux" (1st vignette)

Félix-Hilaire Buhot , 1878

Jacques Cazotte's "Le Diable amoureux" (1st vignette) 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. Created in 1878, this print presents the first vignette of Jacques Cazotte’s narrative "Le Diable amoureux".

About this work

Overview

Created in 1878, this print presents the first vignette of Jacques Cazotte’s narrative "Le Diable amoureux". Executed by the French printmaker Félix‑Hilaire Buhot, the work combines etching and drypoint on a delicate Japanese paper. The monochrome composition conveys a shadowy, otherworldly atmosphere, inviting viewers into a scene of supernatural intrigue.

Subject & Meaning

The surrounding mass of swirling, cloud‑like forms reinforces a dreamlike, infernal setting that aligns with the tale’s themes of temptation and the occult.

At the center of the image a horned, tailed creature dominates the foreground, its form suggesting a demonic presence. To the left, a secondary figure with a similarly horned head and a sinuous, curved tail adds a sense of interaction or confrontation. The surrounding mass of swirling, cloud‑like forms reinforces a dreamlike, infernal setting that aligns with the tale’s themes of temptation and the occult.

Technique & Style

Buhot employed a combination of traditional etching and drypoint, allowing for both crisp line work and the soft, velvety burr marks characteristic of drypoint shading. The choice of thin Japanese paper contributes subtle translucency and texture, enhancing the depth of the dark tonal gradations. The black‑only palette emphasizes contrast, while the intricate line work reveals meticulous attention to detail.

History & Provenance

The print originates from the late nineteenth‑century French revival of literary illustration, where artists like Buhot rendered scenes from contemporary novels. Though specific ownership records are limited, the work has been catalogued among Buhot’s series of illustrations for Cazotte’s text, reflecting the period’s interest in melding literature and printmaking.