Artwork

Abattage des Pins

Abattage des Pins, by Auguste Lepère, 1887
Abattage des Pins, by Auguste Lepère, 1887

Abattage des Pins is a print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1887 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Abattage des Pins is a 1887 wood engraving by Auguste Louis Lepère, a French artist who played a significant role in reviving the medium in late 19th-century Europe.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a forest scene where a man in a long coat is felling a pine tree with an axe, surrounded by fallen branches and needles, suggesting a labor-intensive process.

Technique & Style

Rendered in black and white, the image employs chiaroscuro, with strong contrasts between light and dark areas, such as the highlighted tree trunks and the man's face, creating a sketch-like effect.

History & Provenance

Created in 1887 by Lepère, the work exemplifies his precise, linear style characteristic of his graphic art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Auguste Lepère

Artist

Auguste Lepère

Louis-Auguste Lepère (30 November 1849 – 20 November 1918) was a French painter and etcher. Lepère is also considered a leader in the creative revival of wood engraving in Europe.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.