Artwork

La Fête nationale au Boulevard Clichy (National Holiday on the Boulevard de Clichy)

La Fête nationale au Boulevard Clichy (National Holiday on the Boulevard de Clichy) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower center in graphite: epreuve imprimé par l'artist en 4 couleurs Felix Buhot; upper left in graphite verso: Coll. HG; upper right in graphite verso: 4em Etat; lower right in graphite verso: 000072 [in a box];
Markings: Marked:Felix Buhot's studio stamp (Lugt 977)

About this work

Overview

La Fête nationale au Boulevard Clichy is a print by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, dated 1878, combining etching, drypoint, aquatint, foul-bite, and soft-ground etching in multiple colors on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a vibrant street celebration, likely Bastille Day, on the Boulevard de Clichy. Flags, banners, and a dense crowd convey a sense of communal joy and national festivity.

Technique & Style

Buhot's multi-technique approach yields a textured, visually engaging image. The juxtaposition of bold lines (etching, drypoint) with tonal depth (aquatint) and subtle accents (gold) enhances the scene's dynamic atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in 1878, the work is now part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington, D.C.

Context

The piece reflects late 19th-century French urban life and the tradition of commemorating national holidays through public gatherings.

Legacy

While not widely discussed in broad art historical narratives, it remains a notable example of Buhot's skill in capturing ephemeral urban moments through innovative printmaking techniques.