Artwork
L'Union sacrées
L'Union sacrées is a drawing by Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1914 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. L'Union sacrée is a 1914 wood engraving by Auguste Louis Lepère, a French artist instrumental in the European revival of wood engraving.
About this work
Overview
L'Union sacrée is a 1914 wood engraving by Auguste Louis Lepère, a French artist instrumental in the European revival of wood engraving. The work captures the fervent national sentiment of World War I.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a dynamic crowd converging on a central flag-bearing figure, symbolizing national unity amid wartime. The central figure, adorned with a leaf crown and loose robe, emerges prominently, especially in the more defined lower sketches.
Technique & Style
Lepère employed contrasting techniques across the four sketches: loose lines in the top two, versus darker, high-contrast lines in the bottom two. Rich textures, such as palm fronds, and strong chiaroscuro enhance the sense of movement and depth.
History & Provenance
Created in 1914 during World War I, L'Union sacrée is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Context
This work reflects Lepère's broader engagement with graphic arts and his contributions to both painting and printmaking, situating it within his efforts to elevate wood engraving in Europe.
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.
