Artwork

On allume des cierges...

On allume des cierges..., by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1878
On allume des cierges..., by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1878

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

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.