The Gatteville Lighthouse in the Evening

This little painting, unsigned and of unknown date but authenticated by the artist’s son Jean, is a clear example that Buhot could paint in an Impressionist style. Not that he frequently did, but he could. Buhot’s paintings are rather remarkable in their diversity, united only by their lack of academic finish, a frequently romantic approach to the subject, and an insistence on painting architecture, landscape, and other objects as they appeared to him. Here the subject is the sky, the water, the dark strip of land, and the tiny dot of the lighthouse beam with its reflection—all presented as an impressionistic image.

The Gatteville lighthouse, constructed in 1855, is located on the northeast tip of the Cotentin Peninsula. It is still in operation today.

Félix Buhot
French, 1847–1898

Private collection

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

Oil on paper mounted on board
3 3/4 x 6 1/8 inches