Artwork

Le Couvre-feu (1er planche) (The Curfew, 1st plate)

Le Couvre-feu (1er planche) (The Curfew, 1st plate), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1872
Le Couvre-feu (1er planche) (The Curfew, 1st plate), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1872

Le Couvre-feu (1er planche) (The Curfew, 1st plate) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower left in graphite: 1er Planche [indecipherable] unique?; lower right in graphite: Cat. 35 Cole HB; upper right in graphite verso: Cole HB Cat. 35; lower in graphite verso: Cat. 35 Le Couvre-feu. Premier planche [indecipherable] 03930
Markings
Marked:Felix Buhot's studio stamp (Lugt 977), Buhot family stamp for sales in 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990 (Lugt 4245).

About this work

Overview

Le Couvre-feu (1er planche) is an 1872 etching on laid paper by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, depicting a city street at dusk. The work is part of the National Gallery of Art collection in Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The etching captures a serene, everyday moment: pedestrians, some with umbrellas, navigate a wet street flanked by tall, dark buildings under a cloudy evening sky.

Technique & Style

Buhot employs etching to achieve a realistic, detailed representation. The technique imparts depth and atmosphere, enhanced by the reflective, wet street and the interplay of light and shadow.

History & Provenance

Created in 1872, the etching is now held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

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 Le Couvre-feu (1er planche) (The Curfew, 1st plate)?

Le Couvre-feu (1er planche) (The Curfew, 1st plate) was painted by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1872.

Where can I see Le Couvre-feu (1er planche) (The Curfew, 1st plate)?

Le Couvre-feu (1er planche) (The Curfew, 1st plate) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Le Couvre-feu (1er planche) (The Curfew, 1st plate)?

Le Couvre-feu (1er planche) (The Curfew, 1st plate) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Le Couvre-feu (1er planche) (The Curfew, 1st plate)?

Museum-quality prints of Le Couvre-feu (1er planche) (The Curfew, 1st plate) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.