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The Big Shower

Emmanuel Phélippes-Beaulieu

1859

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Early 19th Century Rain

Dominant colour

The Big Shower is a 1859 ink by Emmanuel Phélippes-Beaulieu, a Impressionism work, depicting Rain, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Emmanuel Phélippes-Beaulieu
When & what style?: 1859 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching shows a man standing under a spray of water. The image is simple but feels alive. The lines are scratchy and uneven—like he’s moving under the stream. The artist used two tools here. A needle made lines. A roulette (a spiked wheel) added dotted texture to the wet skin. It’s a quiet trick that makes the water look real. Look up Phélippes-Beaulieu, Emmanuel.