Boulevard Montmartre

Maxime Lalanne

1884

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Cityscape

About this work

This sketch shows a busy city street lined with tall buildings. The sidewalks are packed with people walking, sitting, and chatting. Trees and streetlights run down the middle, and horse-drawn carriages move along the road. The buildings have lots of windows and balconies, and the whole scene feels lively. The artist used fine lines to capture every detail, from the crowds to the rooftops. The way light and shadow play across the street gives it a sense of movement. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists create these sharp, detailed prints.