Artwork

Entree de l'atelier Rousseau et la Maison de Millet

Entree de l'atelier Rousseau et la Maison de Millet, by Auguste Lepère, 1887
Entree de l'atelier Rousseau et la Maison de Millet, by Auguste Lepère, 1887

Entree de l'atelier Rousseau et la Maison de Millet is a print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1887 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Entree de l'atelier Rousseau et la Maison de Millet is an 1887 print by French artist Auguste Louis Lepère, featuring a composite scene of two notable locations associated with fellow artists.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the entrance to the studio of Rousseau adjacent to Millet’s house, suggesting a connection or homage between the artists. The inclusion of everyday elements—a tree, a fence, a walking dog—grounds the scene in quotidian reality.

Technique & Style

Lepère, a key figure in the European wood engraving revival, employed his medium to create a detailed, layered composition. The work incorporates multiple visual elements: a central scene, a framed drawing of a doorway, and a small oval portrait, demonstrating Lepère’s mastery of layering and texture in printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created in 1887, the print is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. Lepère’s signature is present in the corner, attesting to the work’s authenticity.

Context

While Lepère’s work postdates the peak of Impressionism, the emphasis on light and everyday scenes aligns with Impressionist principles. The piece reflects a broader interest in capturing the mundane and the personal spaces of artists.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Auguste Lepère

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.