Rouen was painted by Auguste Lepère in 1888.

Where can I see Rouen?

Rouen is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Rouen?

Rouen is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Rouen

Auguste Lepère , 1888

Rouen is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Auguste Lepère’s 1888 wood engraving titled *Rouge* captures a view of the historic French city of Rouen. Executed in the medium of woodcut, the print presents the urban landscape through a dense network of linear marks that delineate the architecture and streets, offering a compact yet detailed representation of the locale.

Subject & Meaning

The image focuses on Rouen’s aged streets and buildings, emphasizing the texture of stone façades and the rhythm of the city’s layout. By foregrounding the structural elements, the work invites contemplation of the city’s enduring character and the everyday life embedded within its historic environment.

Technique & Style

Lepère employed the traditional wood engraving process, carving fine lines into a block to produce a range of tones. His meticulous line work creates a layered sense of depth, with cross‑hatching and varied line weight suggesting shadows and surface texture, a hallmark of his revivalist approach to the medium.

History & Provenance

Created during a period when Lepère was instrumental in renewing interest in wood engraving across Europe, the print reflects his broader contributions as both painter and etcher. While specific ownership records are limited, the work is recognized as part of his late‑19th‑century output, aligning with his efforts to elevate printmaking as a fine‑art practice.

Context

The late 1800s saw a resurgence of interest in traditional print techniques, countering the rise of photographic reproduction. Lepère’s *Rouen* exemplifies this movement, showcasing how meticulous craftsmanship could convey urban scenes with a level of detail and immediacy that resonated with contemporary audiences.

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.