Who painted Le Bocage?

Le Bocage was painted by Auguste Lepère in 1909.

Where can I see Le Bocage?

Le Bocage is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

Le Bocage

Auguste Lepère , 1909

Le Bocage is a print by Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1909 by French artist Auguste Louis Lepère, *Le Bocage* is a print that belongs to the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. Lepère, noted for his role in the early twentieth‑century revival of wood engraving across Europe, employed the medium to render a solitary, twisted tree beside a tranquil water surface, framed by two cloaked figures on a bench.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a gnarled tree whose tangled branches dominate the visual field, suggesting a sense of isolation or contemplation. Beneath the canopy, two figures sit apart, turned away from the tree, their cloaks hinting at a cool atmosphere. The muted sky and still water amplify the quiet, introspective mood of the scene.

Technique & Style

Lepère’s approach relies on swift, sketch‑like lines that give the image a soft, smudged quality reminiscent of a pencil drawing. The contrast between deep shadows in the tree’s mass and the faintly rendered sky creates a chiaroscuro effect, emphasizing volume and depth while maintaining a loose, atmospheric feel.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the print has remained within institutional holdings, eventually entering the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. Lepère’s reputation as a leading figure in the resurgence of wood engraving contributed to the work’s acquisition by a museum dedicated to preserving significant examples of early modern printmaking.

Artist & collection

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.