Artwork

La Fête nationale au Boulevard Clichy (National Holiday on the Boulevard de Clichy)

La Fête nationale au Boulevard Clichy (National Holiday on the Boulevard de Clichy), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1878
La Fête nationale au Boulevard Clichy (National Holiday on the Boulevard de Clichy), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1878

La Fête nationale au Boulevard Clichy (National Holiday on the Boulevard de Clichy) 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.

About this work

Overview

La Fête nationale au Boulevard Clichy is a print by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, dated 1878, combining etching, drypoint, aquatint, foul-bite, and soft-ground etching in multiple colors on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a vibrant street celebration, likely Bastille Day, on the Boulevard de Clichy. Flags, banners, and a dense crowd convey a sense of communal joy and national festivity.

Technique & Style

Buhot's multi-technique approach yields a textured, visually engaging image. The juxtaposition of bold lines (etching, drypoint) with tonal depth (aquatint) and subtle accents (gold) enhances the scene's dynamic atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in 1878, the work is now part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington, D.C.

Context

The piece reflects late 19th-century French urban life and the tradition of commemorating national holidays through public gatherings.

Legacy

While not widely discussed in broad art historical narratives, it remains a notable example of Buhot's skill in capturing ephemeral urban moments through innovative printmaking techniques.

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.