An atmospheric etching by Eugène Bejot depicting the rooftops of Montmartre and the Moulin de la Gallette in 1897.

This etching by Eugène Bejot captures a view of the Montmartre district in Paris during the late nineteenth century. The composition focuses on the rooftops of the city, with the iconic Moulin de la Gallette visible in the distance. Bejot, a printmaker known for his technical precision, employs a series of fine, hatched lines to define the architectural forms and the atmospheric conditions of the sky.

The work demonstrates the artist's interest in the urban environment of Paris. By choosing an elevated vantage point, Bejot provides a perspective that encompasses both the immediate domestic details of the foreground, such as the chimneys and windows, and the broader silhouette of the hill. The use of etching allows for a high degree of control over the tonal values, creating a sense of depth through the variation in line density. The sky is rendered with diagonal strokes that suggest a grey, overcast day, which contrasts with the solid, structured forms of the buildings below.

Bejot was a member of the Société des Peintres-Graveurs Français and gained recognition for his depictions of Parisian streets and waterways. His approach to printmaking is characterised by a disciplined application of the needle, avoiding unnecessary ornamentation in favour of a clear, observational style. This piece offers a glimpse into the character of Montmartre before the rapid urbanisation of the twentieth century altered its appearance. The print functions as a historical record of the area, documenting the specific architectural vernacular of the period. The artist's signature and the date are visible in the lower corners, confirming the work's origin in 1897. This print is a representative example of the graphic work produced in France during the Belle Époque, reflecting a period when artists frequently turned to the city itself as a primary subject for their creative output.