Artwork

Portal of the Hôtel d'Uzès, rue Montmartre, Paris

Portal of the Hôtel d'Uzès, rue Montmartre, Paris, by French 18th Century, ink, 1768
Portal of the Hôtel d'Uzès, rue Montmartre, Paris, by French 18th Century, ink, 1768

Portal of the Hôtel d'Uzès, rue Montmartre, Paris is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist French 18th Century. It dates from 1768 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The drawing entitled “Portal of the Hôtel d’Uzès, rue Montmartre, Paris” depicts a narrow Parisian street scene from the eighteenth century.

About this work

Overview

The drawing entitled “Portal of the Hôtel d’Uzès, rue Montmartre, Paris” depicts a narrow Parisian street scene from the eighteenth century. Executed in pen and black ink with watercolor on laid paper, the work presents a central wooden doorway topped by a modest window, framed by the surrounding architecture of the Rue Montmartre.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures an everyday urban moment, emphasizing the modest scale of the Hôtel d’Uzès entrance within the bustling street. By focusing on the portal, the artist highlights the interplay between public thoroughfares and private dwellings, offering a quiet observation of Parisian life during the period.

Technique & Style

The artist employs fine ink lines to delineate architectural details, while translucent watercolor washes add subtle tonal variation. The use of laid paper enhances the texture, allowing light to filter through the thin pigment layers, which creates a soft, atmospheric effect characteristic of eighteenth‑century French topographical drawing.

History & Provenance

Created in the 1700s, the drawing is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in European urban sketches that document historical streetscapes, providing scholars with visual evidence of Parisian architecture prior to later urban transformations.

Artist & collection

Portrait of French 18th Century

Artist

French 18th Century

This artist worked in late 18th-century France, making portrait paintings and etched prints.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.