The Cliff: Bay of Saint-Malo

1886–1890

Félix Hilaire Buhot

(French, 1847–1898)

Culture

France, 19th century

Medium

etching, drypoint, aquatint, and roulette

Support

Cream (3) Japanese paper

Measurements

Sheet: 39.4 x 55.4 cm (15 1/2 x 21 13/16 in.); Platemark: 29.9 x 40 cm (11 3/4 x 15 3/4 in.)

Credit Line

In memory of Ralph King, gift of Mrs. Ralph King; Ralph T. Woods, Charles G. King; and Frances King Schafer 1946.304

Catalogue raisonné

Bourcard1 65

State

V/V

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Location

Not on view

Description

This atmospheric view of the cliffs and bay of Saint-Malo describes the drama and grandeur of the Emerald Coast, the gateway to Brittany. Buhot, a prolific etcher, produced this image by printing from two copper plates, one for the evocative landscape and a second for the margin of remarques, or supplementary designs that the artist described as "symphonic" additions to the main image. Here, the remarques represent Breton villagers in traditional costume, a storm-tossed ship, the black rocks characteristic of the region, and various flora and fauna.