Artwork

Westminster Bridge

Westminster Bridge, by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1884
Westminster Bridge, by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1884

Westminster Bridge is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Westminster Bridge is a print created by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1884, utilizing a combination of etching, drypoint, roulette, and aquatint techniques on wove paper. The work is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a vibrant scene of late 19th-century London, focusing on the activity around Westminster Bridge. The composition includes pedestrians, carriages, a horse-drawn vehicle attracting a crowd, the prominent clock tower, and ships along the river, conveying the bustling nature of the city.

Technique & Style

Buhot achieved depth and texture through a mix of dark and light lines, emphasizing the crowd and the bridge. The incorporation of tonal wiping in black and brown inks, along with the rough paper texture, enhances the lively and dynamic atmosphere of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 1884, Westminster Bridge is now held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Context

This work reflects Buhot's interest in capturing urban landscapes and the everyday life of major cities during his time, with Westminster Bridge standing as a testament to late 19th-century London's energy.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of 'Westminster Bridge' are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader appreciation of Buhot's printmaking techniques and his documentation of European cityscapes in the late 19th century.

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.