Artwork
The Old Footbridge
The Old Footbridge is a print by Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1915 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Old Footbridge is a 1915 black-and-white print by Auguste Louis Lepère, a French artist instrumental in the European revival of wood engraving. The piece is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
Depicting a serene park landscape, the print features a footbridge over a pond, with two figures seated on the bank, surrounded by trees, grazing sheep, and a distant building with a pointed roof. The composition conveys a sense of tranquility.
Technique & Style
Lepère achieved the print's calm atmosphere through fine lines that capture light and shadow. Although the description suggests etching (implying a metal plate), the work is categorized as a print, with the exact technique (wood engraving or etching) not explicitly confirmed here.
History & Provenance
Created in 1915, The Old Footbridge is held in the permanent collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is available for public viewing.
Context
While specific contextual details about the work's creation are not provided, it reflects Lepère's contribution to the early 20th-century resurgence of traditional printmaking techniques in Europe.
Legacy
As part of Lepère's oeuvre, The Old Footbridge contributes to his legacy in wood engraving revival, though its individual impact or influence on subsequent artists is not detailed in the provided information.
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.
