Artwork

Le Bas-Hamet

Le Bas-Hamet, by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1880
Le Bas-Hamet, by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1880

Le Bas-Hamet is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Le Bas-Hamet is a print created by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1880, combining etching, drypoint, roulette, and aquatint techniques on Japanese paper in black ink.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene nighttime village scene. A solitary figure, arms raised in apparent surprise or disorientation, walks in the center. Softly lit houses and a stationary horse in the background add to the quiet ambiance.

Technique & Style

Buhot achieved depth through rough, textured lines, with hand-drawn shadows. The Japanese paper's grainy appearance, coupled with loose, sketchy marginal lines, suggests a rapid, expressive working process.

History & Provenance

Created in 1880, specific provenance details are not provided, highlighting the work's existence as part of Buhot's oeuvre from that year.

Context

Technically, the piece exemplifies late 19th-century printmaking innovations, notably the mixed use of etching, drypoint, roulette, and aquatint. Artistically, it reflects a focus on capturing everyday, intimate moments.

Legacy

While specific legacy details are not outlined, Le Bas-Hamet contributes to the broader appreciation of Buhot's printmaking skills and his contribution to the Impressionist and late 19th-century European art movements.

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.