Artwork
Combat contre la Neige, Quai aux Fleurs

Combat contre la Neige, Quai aux Fleurs is a print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Combat contre la Neige, Quai aux Fleurs is an 1890 print by French artist Auguste Louis Lepère, renowned for his role in reviving European wood engraving. The piece is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a chaotic winter scene on Quai aux Fleurs, capturing the struggles of people and animals amidst deep snow, mud, and a turbulent sky. The emphasis is on conveying the urgency and difficulty of everyday life in harsh weather conditions.
Technique & Style
Lepère employed quick, sketchy lines to evoke movement and urgency, eschewing smooth details for a realistic portrayal of disorder. This approach aligns with Realist principles, prioritizing the honest depiction of mundane struggles.
History & Provenance
Created in 1890, the work is now held in the permanent collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art, testifying to its significance within Lepère's oeuvre and the broader context of late 19th-century European printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.



















