Artwork

La Mort et les Passions fondant sur la terre

La Mort et les Passions fondant sur la terre, by Auguste Lepère, 1914
La Mort et les Passions fondant sur la terre, by Auguste Lepère, 1914

La Mort et les Passions fondant sur la terre is a drawing by Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1914 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

La Mort et les Passions fondant sur la terre is a 1914 drawing by Auguste Louis Lepère, a French artist known for reviving wood engraving in Europe. It is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts four chaotic scenes of skeletal figures in conflict, with some bodies appearing to dance or be in a frenzy. The title suggests a theme of death and intense emotions.

Technique & Style

The work combines rough brown and white sketches with stark black-and-white drawings, utilizing swirling lines and tangled limbs to convey a sense of turbulent movement. The contrast between light and dark areas creates a dramatic effect.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Auguste Lepère

Artist

Auguste Lepère

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.