Artwork

Winter in Paris (L’hiver à Paris or La neige à Paris)

Winter in Paris (L’hiver à Paris or La neige à Paris), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, 1879
Winter in Paris (L’hiver à Paris or La neige à Paris), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, 1879

Winter in Paris (L’hiver à Paris or La neige à Paris) is a print by the Impressionist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1879 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Smaller scenes around the edges show more winter activities—skaters, people sitting by a fire, and a horse lying down.

This sketch shows a snowy Paris street packed with people, horses, and carriages. Shops line the street, with signs like "Café Crillon" and "Bains de Mer." Kids play in the snow, dogs run around, and a few people shovel or sweep. The buildings are tall and crowded, with snow piled on rooftops and sidewalks. Smaller scenes around the edges show more winter activities—skaters, people sitting by a fire, and a horse lying down.

The artist signed it "Félix Buhot Paris 1879," so this was made in the late 1800s. The quick, sketchy lines and focus on everyday life fit the style of the time.

If you like this, check out Realism next—it’s all about showing life as it really is.

Overview

Winter in Paris (L’hiver à Paris or La neige à Paris) is a print by Félix Hilaire Buhot, dated 1879, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a bustling Parisian street in winter, capturing daily life amidst snow. Scenes of people, horses, carriages, and children at play are set against a backdrop of snow-covered, tightly packed buildings. Additional vignettes around the edges showcase various winter activities.

Technique & Style

Characterized by quick, sketchy lines, the work reflects the Realist aesthetic of its time, emphasizing the depiction of everyday life in a straightforward manner.

History & Provenance

Created in Paris in 1879, the print bears the artist’s signature and location. It is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.

Context

Emerging from the late 19th-century Realist movement, this work aligns with the era’s focus on capturing mundane, contemporary life, in this case, the challenges and joys of a Parisian winter.

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: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.