Who painted Passage de la Marmite, Paris?

Passage de la Marmite, Paris was painted by Maxime Lalanne in 1866.

Where can I see Passage de la Marmite, Paris?

Passage de la Marmite, Paris is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Passage de la Marmite, Paris?

Passage de la Marmite, Paris is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Passage de la Marmite, Paris

Maxime Lalanne , 1866

Passage de la Marmite, Paris is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Maxime Lalanne. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1866, this etching on wove paper portrays a narrow, dimly lit Parisian passage.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1866, this etching on wove paper portrays a narrow, dimly lit Parisian passage. Tall façades line the street, their windows and masonry rendered with fine linear detail. A small crowd gathers at the far end while solitary figures move along the way, conveying a moment of ordinary urban life.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures a quiet slice of 19th‑century city life, emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow within a confined space. By focusing on everyday pedestrians and the architectural rhythm of the passage, the work suggests the anonymity and routine of the modern metropolis without overt narrative drama.

Technique & Style

Executed through traditional copper‑plate etching, the artist exploits the smooth surface of wove paper to achieve delicate tonal gradations. Cross‑hatching and varied line density convey texture on stone, wood, and sky, while subtle shading imparts depth, echoing the precise, almost illustrative approach seen in contemporary graphic prints.

History & Provenance

The print is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where it was acquired as a representative example of mid‑19th‑century French printmaking. Its presence in the museum underscores the artist’s reputation for prolific work in etching and charcoal during that period.

Context

The artist, a noted French etcher, produced numerous urban scenes that align with the broader interest in documenting modern life. The meticulous rendering of architecture and atmosphere recalls the graphic investigations of contemporaries such as Gustave Doré, who also explored the visual language of the city.