Artwork
Félix-Hilaire Buhot
Félix-Hilaire Buhot is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Loys Delteil. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This black-and-white print, executed on laid paper, presents a solitary figure rendered in swift, sketch‑like lines.
About this work
His hair is curly, and he wears a high-collared shirt with a scarf draped loosely over his shoulders.
This sketch shows a man with a thick beard and mustache, turned slightly away. His hair is curly, and he wears a high-collared shirt with a scarf draped loosely over his shoulders. The lines are quick and sketchy, like the artist worked fast.
The paper has a textured look, typical of older prints. The signature in the corner says "Loys Delteil" and the year "1898."
Next, check out the technique: etching, drypoint.
Overview
This black-and-white print, executed on laid paper, presents a solitary figure rendered in swift, sketch‑like lines. The composition centers on a bearded man whose head is turned slightly away, his curly hair and prominent moustache accentuated by the bold contouring. A high‑collared shirt and loosely draped scarf complete the attire, while the paper’s textured surface underscores the work’s early‑modern printmaking character.
Subject & Meaning
The image portrays an individual, likely a portrait study, captured in a moment of informal repose. The emphasis on facial hair, the relaxed positioning of the scarf, and the casual turn of the head suggest a candid observation rather than an idealized representation, inviting viewers to consider the sitter’s personality through the immediacy of the drawing.
Technique & Style
Created through a combination of etching and drypoint, the artist employed the incised lines of etching alongside the burr‑rich strokes of drypoint to achieve varied tonal depth. The rapid, gestural marks convey a sense of spontaneity, while the black ink on the laid paper highlights the contrast between light and shadow typical of late‑19th‑century print practices.
History & Provenance
The work bears the signature and date of Loys Delteil, confirming its production in 1898. As a print by Delteil, it reflects his engagement with portraiture during a period when French printmakers were exploring more immediate, sketch‑like approaches. The piece’s provenance remains tied to its original creation, with no subsequent alterations noted.
Artist & collection
![[Francisco Pradilla Ortiz], by Unknown](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/unknown--francisco-pradilla-ortiz--4d9524e454518a16-w320.webp)
