Preface was painted by Auguste Lepère in 1900.

Where can I see Preface?

Preface is held by National Gallery of Art.

Artwork

Preface

Auguste Lepère , 1900

Preface is an ink print by Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1900, *Preface* is a wood engraving by French artist Auguste Lepère. The print captures a bustling urban street, rendered in dense black lines against a light ground. Figures move along the thoroughfare, flanked by buildings, lampposts and shop signs, while areas of deeper tone suggest shadow and depth.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a snapshot of everyday life, emphasizing the flow of pedestrians and the architectural rhythm of a city block. Individual characters—a hat‑clad passerby, a figure bearing a bundle—are highlighted amid the crowd, inviting viewers to consider the anonymity and vitality of modern urban existence.

Technique & Style

Lepère employed traditional wood engraving methods, carving the image in reverse on a hardwood block before inking and printing. The work’s fine linear quality, achieved through meticulous incising, creates intricate textures for surfaces such as brickwork and foliage. Contrasting dark masses with lighter spaces generate a sense of volume within the monochrome palette.

History & Provenance

As a leading figure in the late‑19th‑century revival of wood engraving across Europe, Lepère applied his expertise in painting and etching to this medium. *Preface* exemplifies his broader engagement with printmaking during a period when artists sought to re‑establish the woodcut as a fine‑art practice rather than merely a commercial technique.

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.