Preliminary drawing for Spleen and Ideal or The Cab with Cupids

Preliminary drawing for Spleen and Ideal or The Cab with Cupids

The drawing appears to be one of several studies for the painting on which the related print is based. This is typical of Buhot’s constant movement of compositional ideas from one medium to another with accompanying changes of format and detail. It also suggests the artist’s longtime contemplation of this subject borrowed from poet Charles Baudelaire, one of his favorite literary inspirations. The drawing may appear to be slight, but it contains the whole compositional essence of the painting that was to follow.

Félix Buhot
1847–1898

Private collection

c. 1876

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

Crayon on paper
Image: 6 3/4 x 5 7/16 inches