Provins (Seine et Marne)

Lepère employed traditional etching methods, incising fine lines into a metal plate to render texture and tonal variation. The delicate hatching delineates rough stone walls, while smoother strokes suggest the sleekness of roofs. The interplay of line and wash creates a subtle contrast between the wet pavement and the airy sky, reinforcing the work’s calm mood.

Born in 1849, Auguste Lepère was a painter and printmaker who significantly contributed to the 19th‑century revival of wood engraving across Europe. Though primarily known for his work in wood, he produced a series of etchings, including this 1910 view of Provins, which later entered public collections as an example of his printmaking versatility.