Le Chateau des Hiboux; Ex-libris de Léon Lerey

Buhot employs the fine line work of drypoint alongside the tonal richness of aquatint, allowing subtle gradations of darkness to model the moonlit architecture and surrounding foliage. The use of laid paper contributes a textured surface that enhances the print’s atmospheric depth.

Created in 1885, the piece was commissioned as a personalized bookplate for Léon Lerey, a practice common among collectors of the period. The inclusion of a banner bearing the word “EXLIBRIS” and additional decorative motifs identifies its function as a mark of ownership.

During the late nineteenth century, French printmakers like Buhot explored the interplay of romantic subject matter and technical innovation. The nocturnal castle motif aligns with contemporary interests in medieval nostalgia and the evocative power of moonlit scenes.

While primarily a utilitarian object, Le Chateau des Hiboux exemplifies Buhot’s skill in merging illustrative detail with atmospheric effects, contributing to the broader appreciation of etching and aquatint as expressive media in the fin de siècle.