Artwork

Au Maroc

Au Maroc, by Auguste Lepère, 1914
Au Maroc, by Auguste Lepère, 1914

Au Maroc is a drawing by Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1914 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Au Maroc is a 1914 drawing by Auguste Louis Lepère, a French artist known for reviving wood engraving in Europe. The work comprises three sketches of a man in front of a building, showcasing Lepère's experimentation with techniques and compositions.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a man wearing a robe and holding a staff, set against a background of a building and people. The scene is likely inspired by Lepère's observations during his time in Morocco, reflecting his interest in capturing contemporary subjects.

Technique & Style

The three sketches exhibit distinct styles, with varying levels of detail and shading in black and white. The use of chiaroscuro creates contrast, emphasizing textures and forms. The differing treatments suggest Lepère was exploring different approaches to representing his subject.

History & Provenance

Created in 1914, Au Maroc dates to the later part of Lepère's career, just before his death in 1918. It reflects his ongoing engagement with printmaking techniques and his practice of combining traditional craftsmanship with modern subjects.

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.