The Place des Martyrs and the Jailhouse Tavern 1885

"The Place des Martyrs and the Jailhouse Tavern" is an etching by French artist Félix Hilaire Buhot, created in 1885. The print depicts a busy street scene in Paris, with a crowd of people gathered in front of a tavern, a stark juxtaposition of the lively bar and the ominous “Place des Martyrs,” a nearby spot where executions had taken place. Buhot, known for his detailed and atmospheric depictions of urban life, captures the gritty reality of 19th century Paris through this detailed and textured work. The piece is a unique artistic commentary on the societal contrasts and historical weight of the city. The print, now part of the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, demonstrates Buhot's mastery of etching, with nuanced shading and fine lines capturing the textures of buildings and clothing, as well as the bustling energy of the scene.