The Spirits from the Cities of the Dead

1885

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

The Spirits from the Cities of the Dead is a 1885 by Félix-Hilaire Buhot, a Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Félix-Hilaire Buhot
When & what style?: 1885 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

The painting depicts a dramatic scene with spirits emerging from the cities of the dead. In the foreground, a group of people are shown, while in the background, a cityscape is visible. The overall atmosphere is one of mystery and intrigue. A closer look reveals the use of chiaroscuro, a technique that creates a strong contrast between light and dark. This adds depth and dimension to the painting, drawing the viewer's eye to the spirits. For more information on the artist's use of chiaroscuro, explore the technique of chiaroscuro.