Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles en feu

Lepère employs a loose, expressive drawing technique, using bold contour lines and varied shading to suggest depth and movement. The range of values—from deep shadows on the structure to lighter, airy clouds—creates a dynamic visual rhythm. The sketches function as preparatory studies, revealing the artist’s process of translating a violent event into graphic form.

The work belongs to Lepère’s broader effort to revive wood‑engraving and graphic arts in early‑20th‑century Europe. Produced shortly after the actual fire, the sketches likely served as the basis for a larger, finished piece intended for publication or exhibition. Their survival provides insight into Lepère’s rapid response to contemporary events and his role in documenting wartime realities.