Artwork

Preliminary Sketch for "The Passage" (La Traversee)

Preliminary Sketch for "The Passage" (La Traversee), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, graphite, 1872
Preliminary Sketch for "The Passage" (La Traversee), by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, graphite, 1872

Preliminary Sketch for "The Passage" (La Traversee) is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Félix-Hilaire Buhot. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:upper center in graphite verso: [indecipherable]; center left in graphite verso: B136; lower left in graphite verso: AB10713; lower right in graphite verso: #9V

About this work

Overview

Preliminary Sketch for "The Passage" (La Traversee) is a graphite drawing on laid paper created by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1872. It is part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts two figures in rough, gestural lines, one wearing a wide-brimmed hat and loose coat, the other with facial features barely discernible. The background features jagged shapes suggestive of trees or rocks.

Technique & Style

The drawing's loose, rapid lines and textured paper convey a sense of spontaneity. The graphite marks reveal the paper's original weave, adding to the work's rough, unpolished quality.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Preliminary Sketch for "The Passage" (La Traversee)?

Preliminary Sketch for "The Passage" (La Traversee) was painted by Félix-Hilaire Buhot in 1872.

Where can I see Preliminary Sketch for "The Passage" (La Traversee)?

Preliminary Sketch for "The Passage" (La Traversee) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Preliminary Sketch for "The Passage" (La Traversee)?

Preliminary Sketch for "The Passage" (La Traversee) is associated with Romanticism.