Artwork
Quai des Grands Augustins, Paris
Quai des Grands Augustins, Paris is a print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Created in 1886 by French artist Auguste Louis Lepère, this wood-engraved print depicts a Parisian riverside scene.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1886 by French artist Auguste Louis Lepère, this wood-engraved print depicts a Parisian riverside scene. It is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection and exemplifies Lepère’s contribution to the late‑19th‑century revival of wood engraving in Europe.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a quiet stretch of the Seine, where a few figures lean against a low fence while a dog rests nearby. A tall church spire dominates the background, and the opposite bank is lined with modest buildings, suggesting a everyday urban landscape rather than a grand historical narrative.
Technique & Style
Lepère employed swift, gestural lines that convey movement and fleeting light, avoiding intricate detailing. This approach aligns with the broader Impressionist tendency toward rapid, outdoor execution, translating the spontaneity of a sketch into the medium of wood engraving.
History & Provenance
Since its creation, the print has remained in public holdings, eventually entering the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in representing the technical innovations of French printmakers during the 1880s.
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.
