The Owl

Le Hibou marks something of a summary and culmination of Buhot’s graphic work, even though it is not his last print, nor his last etching. Many of the elements that fascinated him through the years—cabs, ships, lanterns, umbrellas, village streets, the church in Valognes—are depicted here, and so many of the techniques he used—including the printing of the lower right corner with turpentine dilution (à l’essence)—are employed so as to imply a summing up. In fact, the print was designed to be a cover for a portfolio of his larger prints, a project that never came to fruition. One should particularly note the principal subject, Buhot’s alter-ego, the relationship made ultimately clear here in the silhouetted self-portrait of the artist across the book pages produced by the shadow of the owl.

Félix Buhot
French, 1847–1898

Private collection

1883

This image is posted publicly for non-profit educational uses, excluding printed publication. Other uses are not permitted.

Etching, drypoint, aquatint, roulette, soft ground, sandpaper ground, and stop-out
State five of five
Plate: 17 1/2 x 12 7/8 inches