Who painted Les Fauteuils d'orchestre?

Les Fauteuils d'orchestre was painted by Auguste Lepère in 1878.

Where can I see Les Fauteuils d'orchestre?

Les Fauteuils d'orchestre is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Les Fauteuils d'orchestre?

Les Fauteuils d'orchestre is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Les Fauteuils d'orchestre

Auguste Lepère , 1878

Les Fauteuils d'orchestre is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Louis‑Augustin Lepère’s 1878 wood engraving, *Les Fauteuils d’orchestre*, captures a bustling theater interior.

About this work

Overview

Louis‑Augustin Lepère’s 1878 wood engraving, *Les Fauteuils d’orchestre*, captures a bustling theater interior. Rendered in fine, incised lines, the image presents rows of elaborately carved seats filled with a dense audience, their heads rendered as rounded forms with distinctive hair and facial features.

Subject & Meaning

The print focuses on the collective presence of theatergoers, emphasizing the communal experience of performance. By concentrating on the crowd rather than individual identity, Lepère highlights the social atmosphere of late‑19th‑century public entertainment spaces.

Technique & Style

Executed with the precision of wood engraving, the work relies on sharp, intersecting lines to delineate faces, clothing, and the intricate lattice of the chairs. The high contrast between dark masses and illuminated areas at the top of the composition creates a sense of depth and claustrophobic density.

History & Provenance

Lepère, a French painter and etcher, was instrumental in the European revival of wood engraving during the late 1800s. *Les Fauteaux d’orchestre* exemplifies his broader engagement with printmaking, reflecting his interest in both technical mastery and contemporary urban scenes.

Context

Created at a time when Parisian theaters were cultural hubs, the engraving mirrors the era’s fascination with modern public life. The ornate seating and packed audience echo the decorative tastes and social rituals of the Belle Époque.

Artist & collection

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.