Artwork
On allume des cierges...

On allume des cierges... is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. On allume des cierges.
About this work
Overview
On allume des cierges... is a print created by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1878, combining etching and drypoint techniques on laid paper, possibly treated with turpentine.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a solitary figure at the center of an arched, vine- and flower-adorned structure, set against a dark background illuminated only by a distant, glowing light, evoking an atmosphere of quiet contemplation.
Technique & Style
Buhot's use of drypoint and etching generates a textured, depth-rich visual experience, guiding the viewer's focus towards the central figure through strategic contrast and shading.
History & Provenance
Created in 1878, the print's provenance is not detailed here, though it is associated with the holdings of the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Context
This work reflects late 19th-century printmaking innovations, particularly in the Impressionist and Belle Époque periods, where artists explored nocturnal scenes and emotional introspection.
Legacy
While specific influence or legacy of 'On allume des cierges...' is not outlined, it contributes to Buhot's recognized body of work in etching and drypoint, notable for capturing nuanced, often nocturnal, atmospheres.
Artist & collection







![Gillingham Pier, London [verso], by Félix-Hilaire Buhot](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/felix-hilaire-buhot--gillingham-pier-london-verso--641e03dd7de8217b-w320.webp)











