Artwork

Place Gerson and Rue Restot

Place Gerson and Rue Restot, by Auguste Lepère, 1894
Place Gerson and Rue Restot, by Auguste Lepère, 1894

Place Gerson and Rue Restot is a print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Place Gerson and Rue Restot is an 1894 etching by Auguste Louis Lepère, a key figure in the European wood engraving revival. The work captures a moment of urban disruption, depicting the aftermath of a building collapse in a narrow city street.

Subject & Meaning

The etching shows a scene of controlled chaos following a collapse, with people navigating the rubble-filled street amidst leaning, intact buildings. The focus is on the physical and spatial impact of the wreckage on the urban environment.

Technique & Style

Lepère's etching features sharp, detailed lines, evoking the immediacy of a sketch. This approach conveys the weight and texture of the debris, emphasizing the tangible consequences of the collapse.

History & Provenance

Created in 1894, the etching is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, reflecting Lepère's contribution to urban-themed artworks during his time.

Context

This work aligns with Lepère's broader exploration of urban scenes, characteristic of his oeuvre. It also touches on Realist themes, using an everyday, albeit extraordinary, scene to narrate a moment of urban life.

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.