The Crossing
c. 1880
Félix Hilaire Buhot captures the miserable yet lively atmosphere of a sea crossing in this etching, aptly titled 'The Crossing' (or 'La Traversée'). Written right on the plate is the phrase 'A Holyday Rain, Storm and Music,' which perfectly sums up the chaotic scene of huddled passengers, flapping umbrellas, and a lonely dog braving the elements. Buhot was a master of 'marginal' etchings, surrounding the main image with little vignettes—like the stormy ships above and the weary travelers below—to create a complete narrative of the journey. It's a wonderfully moody snapshot of Victorian travel, where the 'holiday' seems to involve a lot of getting wet!
- Technique
- Etching and drypoint