Artwork
Embarcadére a Bercy
Embarcadére a Bercy 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
Embarcadére a Bercy, an 1890 etching by French artist Auguste Louis Lepère, captures a bustling riverside scene at Bercy, along the Seine. The print showcases Lepère's skill in reviving wood engraving techniques, though executed in etching, reflecting the era's renewed interest in the medium.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts everyday life at a riverside dockyard, conveying a sense of calm industriousness. Figures engage in various activities on the shore and a crowded dock, set against a backdrop of buildings and trees, emphasizing the ordinary, lively atmosphere of the location.
Technique & Style
Lepère employed simple, expressive lines and nuanced shading to evoke light and movement in the scene. The composition balances activity and serenity, achieved through the subtlety of etching techniques.
History & Provenance
Created in 1890, during a period of creative resurgence in etching, Embarcadére a Bercy reflects Lepère's versatility as both a painter and printmaker. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
While Lepère's work contributed to the revival of wood engraving, Embarcadére a Bercy, as an etching, aligns with the broader artistic explorations of late 19th-century Europe, where printmaking experienced a creative revival.
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.
