1886
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Le Port aux Mouettes (Port with Seagulls) is a 1886 chalk by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a busy harbor filled with ships of all sizes. Some are anchored, others sail in the distance, and a few look like they’re preparing to leave. The water is calm, with a few small waves near the shore. On the left, a rocky coastline juts out, and seagulls float or skim the surface. The artist used a mix of rough lines and smooth shading to show light and movement. The ships vary in detail—some are just outlines, while others have more texture. The paper has a grainy look, almost like sand was rubbed into it. Next, check out etching to see how artists carve into metal plates to make prints.
Félix-Hilaire Buhot (1847–1898) was a French artist, born in Valognes.
See the richer artist page
![Gillingham Pier, London [verso]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/641e03dd7de8217b/thumb.webp)