Artwork

Le Couvre-Feu (The Curfew) [recto]

Le Couvre-Feu (The Curfew) [recto], by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1874
Le Couvre-Feu (The Curfew) [recto], by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1874

Le Couvre-Feu (The Curfew) [recto] is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Le Couvre-Feu (The Curfew) is a mixed-media print by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, executed in 1874, combining etching, drypoint, aquatint, and burnishing on light blue wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene, dusk-lit street in a small town. Figures, some with umbrellas, move along cobblestone paths flanked by buildings, with a church spire in the background. A bare tree on the right contrasts with the fading light, evoking a calm yet enigmatic atmosphere suggestive of impending or recent events.

Technique & Style

Buhot achieved depth and texture through a combination of fine lines and varied shading techniques, characteristic of his mixed-media approach. The result resembles an animated sketch, with the light blue paper underlying the black inks to enhance the dusk scene’s ambiance.

History & Provenance

Created in 1874, specific provenance details for this piece are not provided in the available information.

Context

This work reflects Buhot’s interest in capturing everyday, often nocturnal or atmospheric scenes, common in late 19th-century French printmaking. The use of multiple techniques was innovative for the time, showcasing Buhot’s mastery of etching processes.

Legacy

While specific legacy details for 'Le Couvre-Feu' are not provided, Buhot’s works overall contributed to the revival and evolution of etching in France during the late 19th century, influencing subsequent generations of printmakers.

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.