Who painted Le Criard?

Le Criard was painted by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1874.

Where can I see Le Criard?

Le Criard is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Le Criard?

Le Criard is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Le Criard

Félix-Hilaire Buhot , 1874

Le Criard is an ink print by the Romanticist 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 Criard, created by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1874, is a mixed printmaking work combining etching, drypoint, and aquatint on laid paper. It depicts a solitary street singer in Paris, characterized by expressive, textured rendering.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a lone street singer with mouth agape, conveys a sense of silent performance, inviting the viewer to imagine the sound. The contrast between the singer and his dark shadow on the wall may symbolize the duality of presence and obscurity.

Technique & Style

Buhot's innovative use of three techniques achieves distinct visual effects: etching for hard lines, drypoint for textured, bumpy surfaces (evident in the singer's coat), and aquatint for soft, dark shadows, notably in the singer's silhouette on the wall.

History & Provenance

Created in 1874, specific provenance details are not provided, highlighting the work within Buhot's oeuvre of that period.

Context

Le Criard reflects late 19th-century Parisian street life, capturing a moment of everyday performance through Buhot's expressive, multi-technique printmaking approach.

Legacy

As a representative of Buhot's technical innovation and observational insight, Le Criard contributes to the development of impressionist and late 19th-century printmaking traditions.