Artwork
Lake Nemi
Lake Nemi is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Vicomte Ludovic Lepic. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1870 by Vicomte Ludovic Lepic, this print combines etching with a monoprint overlay on Chinese paper. The work presents a tranquil lakescape, where a solitary tree occupies the left foreground and a distant mountain rises beyond the water’s edge. Clouded skies and muted reflections convey a subdued, contemplative mood.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a quiet lake, its surface mirroring the overcast heavens. A lone tree extends its branches outward, suggesting a dialogue between land and water, while the distant mountain adds depth and a sense of remote grandeur. The overall atmosphere encourages quiet reflection on nature’s stillness.
Technique & Style
Lepic employed traditional etching methods, then applied a monoprint layer to introduce tonal variation and texture. The use of Chinese paper, prized for its absorbency, enhances the subtle gradations of ink, producing a soft, almost velvety surface that distinguishes the work from purely line-based prints.
History & Provenance
The piece originates from the late nineteenth‑century French printmaking tradition, a period when artists experimented with mixed techniques to broaden expressive possibilities. While specific ownership records are sparse, the work remains associated with Lepic’s oeuvre, reflecting his interest in combining classic engraving with newer, more experimental print processes.
Artist & collection
La Falaise: Baie de Saint-Malo (The Cliff: Saint-Malo Bay)
Le Petit Pont
Evening (Le Soir)
A Villefranche-sur-Mer
Water's Edge by Morning Light (Au bord de l'eau (Effet du matin))
Sunset on the Thames
La Falaise: Baie de Saint-Malo (The Cliff: Saint-Malo Bay)
Sunset (Coucher du soleil)
Sunset (Le soir (Coucher de soleil))
On the Test
Guardhouse (La maison du garde)
Countryside