Who painted Le Petit Enterrement (The Burial - Small Plate)?

Le Petit Enterrement (The Burial - Small Plate) was painted by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1878.

Where can I see Le Petit Enterrement (The Burial - Small Plate)?

Le Petit Enterrement (The Burial - Small Plate) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Le Petit Enterrement (The Burial - Small Plate)?

Le Petit Enterrement (The Burial - Small Plate) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Le Petit Enterrement (The Burial - Small Plate)

Félix-Hilaire Buhot , 1878

Le Petit Enterrement (The Burial - Small Plate) 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. Félix‑Hilaire Buhot’s etching Le Petit Enterrement (The Burial – Small Plate) dates from 1878.

About this work

Overview

Félix‑Hilaire Buhot’s etching Le Petit Enterrement (The Burial – Small Plate) dates from 1878. Executed on a copper plate, the print measures a modest size typical of the period’s intimate works. The composition captures a quiet urban scene in which a funeral procession moves through a muted cityscape, its solemnity underscored by a reflective puddle that mirrors the overcast sky.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a small group of mourners escorting a coffin along a narrow street, their silhouettes standing out against a grey, rain‑slicked backdrop. The subdued palette and the stillness of the surroundings convey a contemplative atmosphere, inviting viewers to consider the universality of loss and the quiet rituals that mark the passage of life within an everyday urban environment.

Technique & Style

Buhot employed traditional intaglio etching, incising fine lines into the metal plate to render texture and atmospheric depth.

Buhot employed traditional intaglio etching, incising fine lines into the metal plate to render texture and atmospheric depth. The artist’s manipulation of line weight creates a contrast between the dark figures and the lighter, clouded sky, while the delicate cross‑hatching suggests wet surfaces and the reflective quality of the puddle. This approach yields a nuanced tonal range that enhances the work’s melancholic mood.

Context

Created during the late nineteenth century, the print reflects the period’s interest in realist depictions of contemporary life and the growing popularity of print media for disseminating social observations. Buhot, known for his skillful handling of etching, often explored everyday scenes with a quiet dignity, situating this work within a broader trend of modest, narrative prints that documented ordinary moments.