Artwork
Reims Cathedral (Cathedrale de Reims)
Reims Cathedral (Cathedrale de Reims) is an ink print by Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1911 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Reims Cathedral is an etching created by Auguste Lepère in 1911. It is a print that showcases the artist's skill in capturing architectural detail.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts the Gothic façade of Reims Cathedral, with its intricate carvings, tall spires, and pointed arches. A crowd gathers at the base, with some figures on horseback. The level of detail suggests the artist's focus on the building's texture and the play of light on its stone surfaces.
Technique & Style
Lepère's use of etching allows for deep, textured lines that bring out the cathedral's intricate stonework. The work's graphic quality is characteristic of early 20th-century printmaking techniques.
History & Provenance
Auguste Lepère was a French painter and etcher who contributed to the development of wood engraving in Europe. This etching dates to 1911, a time when Lepère was actively producing prints that showcased his skill.
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.
