Artwork

Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead)

Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead) is a print by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, created in 1885 using various techniques on laid paper. It is currently held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts ghostly figures in flowing robes floating above water, their movements synchronized. A faint cityscape is visible in the background, with buildings and structures. The scene evokes a sense of mystery and otherworldliness, suggesting a realm beyond the living.

Technique & Style

Buhot employed a range of techniques, including etching, roulette, drypoint, lift ground, and aquatint, to achieve a nuanced palette of grays. Darker tones create depth and contrast, contributing to the overall eerie atmosphere.