Artwork
Paris Almanac, 1897: Tail-piece, Summer

Paris Almanac, 1897: Tail-piece, Summer 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. Created in 1897, this wood‑engraved print forms part of Auguste Louis Lepère’s *Paris Almanac* series, which marks the four seasons.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1897, this wood‑engraved print forms part of Auguste Louis Lepère’s *Paris Almanac* series, which marks the four seasons. The image presents a generously filled basket of summer blossoms, dominated by broad‑petaled daisies, with smaller buds and foliage surrounding them. A diminutive bird rests on the rim, lending a quiet, observational tone to the composition.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures a fleeting, domestic moment of summer in Paris, emphasizing the abundance and variety of garden flowers. By focusing on ordinary objects—a basket, flowers, a bird—Lepère aligns with contemporary interests in everyday life, inviting viewers to appreciate the simple beauty of seasonal growth.
Technique & Style
Executed in wood engraving, the print showcases Lepère’s precise handling of line and texture. Fine cross‑hatching renders the twist of stems and the delicate veining of leaves, while broader strokes define the daisies’ full petals. The contrast between dark outlines and lighter areas creates depth without reliance on color.
History & Provenance
Lepère, a leading figure in the late‑19th‑century revival of wood engraving in Europe, produced this piece as part of his broader contribution to graphic arts renewal. The print entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains accessible for study and public viewing.
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.
















