2. Félix Buhot (1847-1898)
after Pierre-Jean David d’Angers (1788-1856)
Victor Hugo

(click on image to print)
Buhot, Victor Hugo

Victor Hugo

Etching and drypoint, 1875, B/G 1 ii/ii, 100 x 77 mm., ex collection: Buhot Family (triangular stamp). Fine, sharp impression on cream wove paper with good margins. The work is after a medallion dated 1825, and while it is apparently unknown just why Buhot chose to etch it, there is no question that Hugo’s literary works, and perhaps his drawings too, were a strong influence on Buhot’s artistic vision. This was the first Buhot print catalogued by Bourcard, and though it was not Buhot’s first print, it is still an early work. In later years, Buhot would continue to draw or etch images of art objects made by others but would bring to them his own personal interpretations and artistic commentaries.