Artwork

Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead)

Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1885
Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, ink, 1885

Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower left verso: APG 9009

About this work

Overview

Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead) is a print by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, created in 1885 using various techniques on laid paper. It is currently held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts ghostly figures in flowing robes floating above water, their movements synchronized. A faint cityscape is visible in the background, with buildings and structures. The scene evokes a sense of mystery and otherworldliness, suggesting a realm beyond the living.

Technique & Style

Buhot employed a range of techniques, including etching, roulette, drypoint, lift ground, and aquatint, to achieve a nuanced palette of grays. Darker tones create depth and contrast, contributing to the overall eerie atmosphere.

The Spirits from the Cities of the Dead
The Spirits from the Cities of the Dead, 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 Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead)?

Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead) was painted by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1885.

Where can I see Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead)?

Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead)?

Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead)?

Museum-quality prints of Les Esprits des Villes-Mortes (Spirits from the Cities of the Dead) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.