Artwork

L'Orage (The Storm)

L'Orage (The Storm), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1879
L'Orage (The Storm), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1879

L'Orage (The Storm) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1879 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

L'Orage (The Storm) is a print by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, dated to 1879. The work depicts a turbulent landscape during a storm.

Subject & Meaning

The composition features a valley with a small village, several buildings, and livestock, set against a backdrop of heavy, swirling clouds over rolling hills. The scene conveys dynamic energy and the power of nature.

Technique & Style

Buhot employed a combination of drypoint, roulette, and isolated etching, possibly with salt lift, on cream laid paper. The rough, scratchy lines and varied textures evoke the storm's intensity, while the warm paper tone contrasts with the dark, expressive cloud formations.

History & Provenance

Created in 1879, specific details regarding the print's exhibition history, ownership, or edition size are not provided.

Context

L'Orage reflects late 19th-century interests in capturing ephemeral natural phenomena through innovative printmaking techniques, characteristic of Buhot's explorations of light, atmosphere, and the expressive potential of mixed media prints.

Legacy

While specific influences or direct artistic lineage are not detailed here, the piece exemplifies Buhot's contribution to the development of expressive, technically innovative printmaking in the late 19th century.

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.