The Place des Martyrs and the Jailhouse Tavern

The Place des Martyrs was a popular nighttime gathering place just down the street from Buhot’s studio on the Boulevard de Clichy. The Jailhouse Tavern, owned by a former convict who served time in a French penal colony, presented, as one might deduce from its name, a penitentiary theme. Patrons were denounced upon arrival by men dressed as prison guards and were then led inside to a dark room decorated with bath scenes (bain and bagne—bath and prison—have a similar sound in French) to be served by waiters outfitted as prisoners. The etched verses evoking the ambience of the tavern are by Jean Le Fustec, simultaneously a Breton poet, a Druid, a journalist, and Buhot’s friend. Impressions vary enormously. In this one, the window bars of the tavern are printed in red, the remainder of the print in brown-black.

Félix Buhot
French, 1847–1898

Private collection

1885

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

Etching, drypoint, aquatint, roulette and stop-out
State three of three
Plate: 13 3/16 x 17 9/16 inches