Artwork
Rabbits (Les Lapins)
Rabbits (Les Lapins) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Henri-Charles Guérard. It dates from 1893 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Henri‑Charles Guérard’s 1893 woodcut titled *Les Lapins* presents a modest grouping of four rabbits arranged in a linear composition.
About this work
Overview
Henri‑Charles Guérard’s 1893 woodcut titled *Les Lapins* presents a modest grouping of four rabbits arranged in a linear composition. Executed on wove paper, the print exemplifies the artist’s focus on graphic clarity and the subtle rendering of animal forms, characteristic of his broader printmaking practice in late‑19th‑century Paris.
Subject & Meaning
The work portrays domestic rabbits in a calm, seated posture, emphasizing their soft fur and tranquil demeanor. While the image lacks overt narrative, the quiet arrangement suggests an observation of everyday nature, reflecting Guérard’s interest in capturing ordinary subjects with a restrained, almost scientific eye.
Technique & Style
Guérard employed the traditional woodcut process, carving the rabbit silhouettes in reverse on a wooden block. After inking the raised surfaces, he transferred the image onto wove paper, producing bold outlines and a limited tonal range. The resulting lines are crisp yet retain a subtle softness that conveys the animals’ texture.
History & Provenance
Created during a period when Guérard was actively exploring various print media, the piece aligns with his prolific output in etching and lithography. Though specific ownership records are sparse, the print has been documented in several catalogues of Guérard’s work, confirming its place within his 1890s print series.
Context
In the 1890s Parisian art scene, woodcut revivalism intersected with emerging modernist tendencies. Guérard’s *Les Lapins* reflects this climate, marrying a historic print technique with a contemporary emphasis on direct observation. The work thus situates itself among the era’s broader experiments in graphic realism and decorative simplicity.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Henri Charles Guérard (26 April 1846, Paris - 24 March 1897, Paris) was a French painter and printmaker, particularly in etching and lithography.
