Who painted Le Bocage?

Le Bocage was painted by Auguste Louis Lepère in 1909.

Where can I see Le Bocage?

Le Bocage is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

Le Bocage

Auguste Louis Lepère , 1909

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

Accession no.: 1954.734
Credit line: Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Prasse Collection

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 Louis 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.