Artwork
Manifestation populaire du 27 Février pour fêter le 80 année de Victor Hugo
Manifestation populaire du 27 Février pour fêter le 80 année de Victor Hugo is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1881 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Louis‑Auguste Lepère’s 1881 wood engraving records a public celebration held on 27 February to mark the 80th birthday of Victor Hugo. The image captures a densely packed urban square where a large crowd gathers to witness a ceremonial event, emphasizing the communal enthusiasm surrounding the French literary figure.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a uniformed official standing on a raised platform, gesturing toward an architectural backdrop crowned with columns and statues. Surrounding him, spectators in hats and coats fill the foreground, while others perch on trees or lean against walls, illustrating the collective participation and civic pride associated with honoring Hugo’s legacy.
Technique & Style
Lepère employs delicate, intersecting lines characteristic of fine wood‑engraving, using cross‑hatching to render shadows and textures such as tree bark, fabric folds, and architectural detail. This meticulous line work creates a sense of depth and movement, allowing the crowded scene to remain legible despite its complexity.
History & Provenance
Created during a period when Lepère was instrumental in reviving wood engraving across Europe, the print reflects his contribution to the medium’s late‑19th‑century resurgence. It was produced as a commemorative illustration of the Hugo anniversary, and examples have since entered museum collections documenting both the artist’s oeuvre and the cultural festivities of the era.
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.
