Artwork
Debarcadère des bateaux-omnibus
Debarcadère des bateaux-omnibus is a print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Louis Lepère. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1921.1310
- Credit line
- Gift of Leonard C. Hanna Jr.
About this work
Overview
Debarcadère des bateaux-omnibus, a 1894 print by French artist Auguste Louis Lepère, depicts a lively riverboat landing scene. Characterized by loose, sketchy lines, the work captures the everyday bustle of people boarding and disembarking boats.
Subject & Meaning
The print focuses on the mundane activity of passengers and luggage handlers at a dock, set against a backdrop of a bridge and a building resembling a train station. It highlights the ordinary, reflecting Lepère's interest in documenting everyday life.
Technique & Style
Executed in a quick, spontaneous manner, the print's loose lines and sketchy quality evoke a sense of immediacy, akin to a visual snapshot. This style aligns with Realist tendencies, emphasizing direct observation of contemporary life.
History & Provenance
Created in 1894 by Auguste Louis Lepère, a key figure in the European revival of wood engraving, the print is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Context
Part of a broader Realist movement, the work reflects late 19th-century artistic interests in depicting everyday, urban scenes. The setting, possibly a Parisian river landing, suggests a focus on modern city life.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of Debarcadère des bateaux-omnibus are not highlighted, as a work by Lepère, it contributes to the appreciation of wood engraving's revival and the enduring appeal of Realist art in capturing the essence of daily life.
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.
