Artwork

Le soir même... (The same evening...)

Le soir même... (The same evening...), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1878
Le soir même... (The same evening...), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1878

Le soir même... (The same evening...) 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. Le soir même.

About this work

Overview

Le soir même... (The same evening...) is a print created by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1878, combining etching, drypoint, and roulette techniques on cream wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a dichotomous scene: below, a dimly lit interior illuminated by candlelight; above, figures on horseback traverse a bridge. Surrounding these central elements, frenetic sketches of people and animals create a sense of turmoil. Inscribed French text alludes to a narrative involving disguise and crowded settings.

Technique & Style

Buhot employed quick, expressive lines to convey dynamic movement throughout the composition. The integration of etching, drypoint, and roulette allowed for varied textures and depths, from the detailed, precise elements to the loose, swirling sketches at the edges.

History & Provenance

Created in 1878, specific details regarding the print's provenance and early exhibition history are not provided in the available information.

Context

This piece reflects late 19th-century French printmaking innovations, where artists experimented with multi-technique prints. The contrast between orderly and chaotic scenes may also touch on contemporary themes of urban vs. rural life or the artist's observation of everyday drama.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of 'Le soir même...' are not outlined, Félix-Hilaire Buhot's contributions to the development of expressive, multi-technique etchings influenced subsequent generations of printmakers in capturing nuanced, dynamic scenes.

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.