Artwork

Vue du Port de la Meule

Vue du Port de la Meule, by Auguste Lepère, 1907
Vue du Port de la Meule, by Auguste Lepère, 1907

Vue du Port de la Meule is a print by Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1907 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Auguste Louis Lepère’s 1907 print *Vue du Port de la Meule* captures a tranquil harbor on the French coast. Rendered in black and white, the composition presents a rocky shoreline, a modest boat at the water’s edge, and a distant hill crowned by a small church. The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s permanent collection.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a quiet moment in a small port, emphasizing the relationship between human activity and the natural landscape. Figures are positioned near the rocks, suggesting a pause in daily routine, while the looming cliffs and the solitary chapel convey a sense of stillness and contemplation.

Technique & Style

Lepère employed fine wood‑engraving techniques, using crisp lines and pronounced chiaroscuro to model the textures of stone and water. The stark contrast between deep shadows and illuminated surfaces heightens the three‑dimensional quality of the rocks and reinforces the overall calm atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created during Lepère’s later career, the print reflects his role in the early‑20th‑century revival of European wood engraving. After its production, the work entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on display as an example of his printmaking achievements.

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.