1914
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dêbut de la manoeuvre de la Marne is a 1914 by Auguste Lepère, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This painting shows a chaotic scene of soldiers in the midst of battle. The men are scattered across the canvas, some standing, others lying down or crouching behind makeshift shelters. In the background, a vast, open landscape stretches out, dotted with trees and hills. The artist's use of bold brushstrokes and vivid colors adds to the sense of energy and turmoil. The soldiers' faces are contorted in a mix of fear, determination, and exhaustion, conveying the intensity of the moment. The painting is a powerful depiction of war's chaos and human cost. For more on the artist's use of chiaroscuro to create dramatic contrasts, explore Auguste Louis Lepère's other works.
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.
See the richer artist page
![Studies for "Entering the War" [recto]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/358a2c3ea8bd7639/thumb.webp)
