Westminster Bridge, or Westminster Tower
1884
French artist Félix Buhot captures the foggy, bustling energy of Victorian London in this 1884 etching, centering on the iconic Clock Tower (Big Ben) looming over a chaotic street of horse-drawn carriages and umbrellas. Instead of a traditional frame, he surrounds the main scene with a border of marginal sketches—ships on the Thames, bridge arches, and tiny crowds—that act like visual footnotes to the city's life. This innovative use of margins was Buhot's signature trick, allowing him to show multiple perspectives and the atmosphere of a place all at once, making the viewer feel like they're wandering through the smoggy streets themselves.
- Technique
- Etching and drypoint
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