Artwork

Une Matinée d'Hiver au Quai de l'Hôtel-Dieu (Winter Morning on the Quai de l'Hôtel-Dieu)

Une Matinée d'Hiver au Quai de l'Hôtel-Dieu (Winter Morning on the Quai de l'Hôtel-Dieu) 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

Félix‑Hilaire Buhot’s 1876 print, titled Une Matinée d’Hiver au Quai de l’Hôtel‑Dieu, is an etching that combines aquatint, drypoint and roulette on wove paper. The work is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C., and measures the typical dimensions of a mid‑19th‑century French cityscape print.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures a quiet winter morning along a Parisian quay. A muted sky presses over low‑lying buildings while wet cobbles reflect the soft light. Horse‑drawn carriages and pedestrians move slowly through the damp street, evoking a sense of calm routine amid the season’s chill.

Technique & Style

Buhot employs a layered approach: fine lines from drypoint define figures and architecture, while broad aquatint washes render atmospheric grays and browns. The roulette tool adds texture to the wet pavement, creating subtle tonal variations that suggest recent precipitation and depth within the urban space.

History & Provenance

Created in 1876, the print reflects the period’s interest in realistic urban scenes. It entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the early 20th century, joining a broader collection of French printmaking that documents everyday life in 19th‑century Paris.