Artwork

Le Bas Bréau

Le Bas Bréau, by Auguste Lepère, 1887
Le Bas Bréau, by Auguste Lepère, 1887

Le Bas Bréau is a print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1887 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Le Bas Bréau, a print created by Auguste Louis Lepère in 1887, exemplifies the artist's dual proficiency in painting and innovative printmaking techniques, particularly in the revival of wood engraving in Europe.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene rural scene featuring a house and trees, capturing a mundane moment in time. The emphasis on detail and texture conveys a sense of realism, suggesting an exploration of everyday countryside life.

Technique & Style

Lepère employed meticulous detail to render the textures of both natural and architectural elements. While the style bears mention of sfumato for further study, the primary technique here is wood engraving, highlighting Lepère's contribution to its European revival.

History & Provenance

Created in 1887, *Le Bas Bréau* reflects Lepère's period engagement with revitalizing wood engraving, a medium he championed in Europe. Specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

Within the late 19th-century art landscape, *Le Bas Bréau* sits at the intersection of traditional techniques (wood engraving) and the broader artistic movement towards capturing everyday life, reflecting Lepère's unique position as both a painter and a print innovator.

Legacy

As part of Lepère's body of work in wood engraving, *Le Bas Bréau* contributes to the medium's resurgence in Europe during the late 19th century, influencing subsequent generations of printmakers.

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.