Artwork
L'Appel des Balayeurs de la Nuit
L'Appel des Balayeurs de la Nuit 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
L'Appel des Balayeurs de la Nuit is an 1890 print by Auguste Louis Lepère, a key figure in the European wood engraving revival. The work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a dramatic nighttime scene of street sweepers in heavy attire, paused to watch a confrontation between a horseman and a large dog on a dimly lit, rainy street.
Technique & Style
Lepère employed strong chiaroscuro, leveraging a lantern's light to create deep contrasts between illuminated figures (the horse and dog) and the shadowy background, enhancing the scene's drama.
History & Provenance
Created in 1890, the print showcases Lepère's innovative printmaking approach. It is currently held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Context
Part of a broader revival of wood engraving in late 19th-century Europe, this work reflects Lepère's contribution to the medium's resurgence.
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.
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