Who painted Spleen et Idéal?

Spleen et Idéal was painted by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1876.

Where can I see Spleen et Idéal?

Spleen et Idéal is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Spleen et Idéal?

Spleen et Idéal is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Spleen et Idéal

Félix-Hilaire Buhot , 1876

Spleen et Idéal is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1876 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1876, this print by Félix‑Hilaire Buhot combines etching, drypoint, and foul‑bite to produce a stark black image on cream‑colored laid paper. The composition centers on a solitary figure seated in a tall, high‑backed chair, enveloped by deep shadows that convey a somber atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The lone sitter appears hunched, gazing downward, suggesting introspection or melancholy. The surrounding darkness and the faint suggestion of a window or doorway in the background hint at confinement or an interior psychological space, aligning the work with the 19th‑century preoccupation with the tension between aspiration and despondency.

Technique & Style

Buhot employed a layered approach: the primary etching defines the overall structure, while drypoint and foul‑bite add rich, velvety lines and textured tones. The use of black ink on cream laid paper enhances contrast, allowing subtle gradations of shadow to emerge and giving the image a palpable depth.

History & Provenance

The print was produced in the mid‑1870s, a period when Buhot was experimenting with mixed intaglio methods. Though specific ownership records are scarce, the work has been documented in several catalogues of 19th‑century French prints, confirming its attribution and dating.