Un Chemin de perdition
1873
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1873
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image depicts a dark, stormy sea with a horse and rider in the center, struggling to stay afloat amidst the turbulent waves. The rider appears to be holding onto the horse's back for dear life, while the horse's legs are splayed out in all directions as it tries to find its footing. In the background, the sky is filled with dark, ominous clouds that seem to be closing in on the pair. The image is rendered in a range of grays, from light to dark, which adds to the sense of drama and tension. The overall effect is one of chaos and turmoil, as if the rider and horse are fighting for their lives against the fury of the sea. This dramatic scene is reminiscent of the works of Félix-Hilaire Buhot, a French artist known for his etchings and drypoints.