Artwork
Paris Almanac, 1897: Decorative Border, Winter
Paris Almanac, 1897: Decorative Border, Winter is a print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1897, this wood‑engraved illustration by French artist Auguste‑Louis Lepère serves as the decorative frame for the winter portion of the Paris Almanac. Shaped like a large capital H, the composition centers the word HIVER and surrounds it with a series of winter‑themed vignettes that combine festive and macabre motifs.
Subject & Meaning
The lower register fills the border with assorted winter accessories—hats, umbrellas, musical instruments—evoking everyday life during the cold months.
The upper panel depicts a nocturnal gathering of dancers, suggesting a seasonal ball beneath a starry sky. To the left, figures are seated at a table strewn with books and papers, while the right side presents a masked reveler beside a skull, juxtaposing celebration with a reminder of mortality. The lower register fills the border with assorted winter accessories—hats, umbrellas, musical instruments—evoking everyday life during the cold months.
Technique & Style
Executed in black and white, the work employs the precise, high‑contrast lines characteristic of late‑19th‑century wood engraving. Lepère’s revivalist approach emphasizes fine detail and tonal variation, allowing intricate textures in clothing, architecture, and objects. The composition balances ornamental borders with narrative scenes, reflecting a decorative aesthetic that aligns with contemporary graphic design trends.
History & Provenance
Auguste‑Louis Lepère (1849–1918) was a pivotal figure in the resurgence of wood engraving across Europe, and this piece exemplifies his contribution to printed illustration. Produced for the 1897 edition of the Paris Almanac, the border was intended for the publication’s winter calendar page. The engraving remains documented in museum collections that focus on graphic arts of the Belle Époque.
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.
