La Traversée (The Passage)
1882
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1882
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
La Traversée (The Passage) is a 1882 ink by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a busy, rainy street scene. People huddle under umbrellas, some on horse-drawn carriages, while others walk or sit on benches. A dog trots along the pavement, and a horse struggles on a ladder near a gate. The buildings look old and damp, with rain pouring down in thick lines. The title *La Traversée* hints at movement and weather—this isn’t just a snapshot, but a moment of crossing through rain and noise. The artist used multiple etching techniques to layer textures, making the scene feel gritty and alive. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this use acid and plates to create depth.
Félix-Hilaire Buhot (1847–1898) was a French artist, born in Valognes.
See the richer artist page