Artwork
Au coq du brûyeres
Au coq du brûyeres is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1888, *Au coq du brûyeres* is a wood‑engraved print by French artist Auguste Lepère. The image captures a lively gathering on a rugged hillside, populated by figures seated at makeshift tables, a guitarist in a top hat, and a woman with a child under a wide brim. Distant structures, trees, a fence and a dog complete the scene, conveying a moment of communal leisure.
Subject & Meaning
The central guitarist provides a focal point, while the varied postures of the participants—sitting, standing, leaning—convey a sense of informal interaction.
The composition portrays a bustling outdoor fête, suggesting a rural celebration or market day. The central guitarist provides a focal point, while the varied postures of the participants—sitting, standing, leaning—convey a sense of informal interaction. The inclusion of everyday details such as rough‑hewn tables and modest clothing underscores Lepère’s interest in ordinary social moments rather than grand historical narratives.
Technique & Style
Executed with the precise incisions of wood engraving, the work relies on dense, dark lines and cross‑hatching to model form and suggest texture. The grain of the wood surface imparts a slightly rough, sketch‑like quality, especially evident in the rendering of table edges and fabric folds. Lepère’s control of line weight creates depth, allowing foreground figures to stand out against the more muted background.
History & Provenance
Auguste Lepère (1849–1914) was instrumental in the late‑19th‑century revival of wood engraving across Europe, advocating the medium as a fine‑art practice rather than merely a reproductive technique. *Au coq du brûyeres* exemplifies his commitment to the craft during this period. The print entered the market shortly after its creation, appearing in French print collections that documented contemporary life.
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.
