Le Pont Royal, Paris.

Eugène Béjot (1867-1931) was a French etcher. He was born in Paris and studied at the Académie Julian with Jules Lefebvre and Benjamin Constant. He began etching in 1891, under the tutelage of André Ibels. Béjot soon began working directly from nature when composing prints. Through Félix Buhot, he met Seymour Haden who helped him win admission to the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers. Béjot was also friends with Bracquemond and Lepère, both printmakers who were outstanding in their respective mediums of etching and wood engraving. His own technique was both precise and involved, yet his prints have a lightly-handed, simplified appearance similar to those of Whistler. A popular artist in both England and France, Béjot was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in 1912.

Bejot is probably best known for his views of Paris, particularly its bridges and quays. This etching focuses on an embankment bordered by a row of picturesque trees at left. The river is at right, with the Pont Royal in the distance. Buildings, including a prominent dome (of the Institut de France) are visible on the far bank.

See: Armstrong Fine Art, 'Eugene Bejot',  http://www.armstrongfineart.com/bio.php?artistId=3357

Dr Mark Stocker   Curator, Historical International Art   February 2018