Who painted Bastion 49?

Bastion 49 was painted by Maxime Lalanne in 1871.

Where can I see Bastion 49?

Bastion 49 is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Bastion 49?

Bastion 49 is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Bastion 49

Maxime Lalanne , 1871

Bastion 49 is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Maxime Lalanne. It dates from 1871 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1871, *Bastion 49* is an etching on wove paper by French printmaker Maxime Lalanne, known for his skill in both etching and charcoal. The work is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C., and exemplifies Lalanne’s interest in capturing contemporary urban and riverine life.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a bustling riverside locale where tents, modest structures, and a winding path converge along the water’s edge. Figures traverse the scene, some strolling beneath leaf‑less trees, others congregating near the shore, while a distant cityscape rises over gentle hills, suggesting a temporary fair or market atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Lalanne employed swift, sketch‑like lines characteristic of early Impressionist sensibilities, using the acid‑etched metal plate to render fluid movement and nuanced light. The economy of line conveys both the immediacy of the crowd and the atmospheric quality of the river setting, while the wove paper surface enhances the print’s subtle tonal variations.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, *Bastion 49* has remained in the public domain, eventually entering the National Gallery of Art’s holdings. The acquisition reflects the museum’s broader effort to represent 19th‑century French printmaking and to preserve works that document everyday urban scenes of the period.