Artwork
La Boucherie Militaire
La Boucherie Militaire is a print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Brouet. It dates from 1925 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1925.18
- Credit line
- Gift of Ralph King
About this work
Overview
La Boucher Militaire, executed by French printmaker Auguste Brouet in 1925, is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The work presents a somber interior of a butcher’s shop, illuminated by a single, subdued light source that emphasizes the spatial depth of the scene.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a large pig carcass suspended from the ceiling, surrounded by a few figures gathered around a workbench. The quiet arrangement highlights the routine labor of the butchery, inviting contemplation of everyday industry and the physicality of the trade.
Technique & Style
Brouet employs a stark chiaroscuro, contrasting deep shadows with limited highlights to model forms and create atmosphere. Muted tonal ranges and vigorous, textured strokes convey a tactile realism, underscoring the gritty materiality of the setting while maintaining a restrained visual intensity.
History & Provenance
Created in the interwar period, La Boucher Militaire entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century. Its presence in the museum reflects the institution’s interest in early 20th‑century French printmaking and the social themes explored by Brouet’s oeuvre.
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