Autumn Morning 1875

Félix Hilaire Buhot made this etching, "Autumn Morning," capturing a hunter and his dog wading into a misty landscape. Buhot, working in late 19th-century France, a period marked by significant social and economic change, often depicted scenes that straddled the line between the romanticized countryside and the burgeoning industrial world. His work reflects a nostalgia for a disappearing way of life, one where the rhythms of nature dictated daily existence. There's a palpable sense of solitude in this image. The hunter, a lone figure silhouetted against the dawn, embodies a certain masculine ideal, yet he seems vulnerable, almost swallowed by the vastness of the scene. The presence of the dog adds a layer of emotional depth. This is not just a hunt; it’s a communion, a relationship built on mutual dependence and affection. As you gaze upon this print, consider the complex interplay between humanity and nature, and how Buhot captures the delicate balance between progress and preservation.