Artwork
L'Appel des Balayeurs de la Nuit
L'Appel des Balayeurs de la Nuit is a print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Louis Lepère. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1920.637
- Credit line
- Gift of Ralph King
About this work
Overview
L'Appel des Balayeurs de la Nuit is an 1890 print by Auguste Louis Lepère, a key figure in the European wood engraving revival. The work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a dramatic nighttime scene of street sweepers in heavy attire, paused to watch a confrontation between a horseman and a large dog on a dimly lit, rainy street.
Technique & Style
Lepère employed strong chiaroscuro, leveraging a lantern's light to create deep contrasts between illuminated figures (the horse and dog) and the shadowy background, enhancing the scene's drama.
History & Provenance
Created in 1890, the print showcases Lepère's innovative printmaking approach. It is currently held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Context
Part of a broader revival of wood engraving in late 19th-century Europe, this work reflects Lepère's contribution to the medium's resurgence.
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.
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