Artwork

Frédéric Mistral: Mémoires et Recits by Frédéric Mistral: round building (page 161)

Auguste Brouet , 1937

Frédéric Mistral: Mémoires et Recits by Frédéric Mistral: round building (page 161) is a work on paper by Auguste Brouet. It dates from 1937 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1937 by French draughtsman Auguste Brouet, this drawing is part of the illustrated volume Frédéric Mistral: Mémoires et Récits, appearing on page 161. The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection and presents a solitary, circular structure rendered in a single, gestural sketch.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a round edifice capped by a dome and a small cross, suggesting a chapel or small church. By isolating the building from any surrounding context or figures, Brouet emphasizes the architectural silhouette rather than narrative detail, inviting contemplation of form over function.

Technique & Style

Executed with rapid, dark lines, the drawing relies on loose, sketchy strokes that convey the basic mass of the structure with minimal ornamentation. Subtle indications of windows and doors appear as faint marks, reinforcing the work’s emphasis on immediacy and gestural observation.

History & Provenance

The piece entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition after its creation, joining a broader assemblage of Brouet’s works that document early‑20th‑century French drawing practices. Its inclusion in the Mistral volume links it to the literary project for which it was originally produced.

Context

Brouet, known for his sensitive drawings of urban and rural scenes, often contributed illustrations to literary publications. This particular sketch aligns with the tradition of integrating visual art into narrative texts, providing a visual counterpart to Mistral’s memoirs.