Artwork

I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)

I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1880
I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1880

I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower right in graphite: Felix Buhot; lower center in margin in plate: Felix Buhot inv sc; lower left in plate: I PROMESSI SPOSI (tome I); lower center below plate mark stamped in red: FB (Lugt 977); by later hand, lower left in graphite: P. 1 (crossed out) 2; by later hand, lower right in graphite: B/G 100 iii/v; by later hand, lower center verso in graphite: 58; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: APG 6931/10

About this work

Overview

I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed) is a print created by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1880 using etching, drypoint, and aquatint techniques on Japanese paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dimly lit, crowded room with figures in 17th-century attire, suggesting a historical or literary scene. A solitary man in dark attire stands near the doorway, while others engage in conversation and gesture around him.

Technique & Style

Buhot employed loose, sketchy lines and dark tones to convey a sense of movement and energy. The use of etching, drypoint, and aquatint created a nuanced, expressive image with varied textures.

Context

The title 'I Promessi Sposi' (The Betrothed) references a novel by Alessandro Manzoni, set in 17th-century Italy. The print's historical costumes and atmospheric setting may allude to the novel's themes or scenes.

I Promessi Sposi
I Promessi Sposi, Félix-Hilaire Buhot

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: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)?

I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed) was painted by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1880.

Where can I see I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)?

I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)?

I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)?

Museum-quality prints of I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.