Artwork
Le Calvaire, St. Jean-de-Mont
Le Calvaire, St. Jean-de-Mont 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.
- 1920.624
- Credit line
- Gift of Ralph King
About this work
Overview
Created in 1909 by French artist Auguste Louis Lepère, Le Calvaire, St. Jean‑de‑Mont is a black‑and‑white print that depicts a quiet rural setting. The composition centers on a modest cluster of buildings and trees in the foreground, while a solitary church rises in the distance, establishing a sense of calm and spatial depth.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a tranquil countryside scene, emphasizing the simple architecture of a village church against a natural backdrop. By isolating the structure within an unhurried landscape, the work conveys a contemplative atmosphere, inviting viewers to consider the quiet dignity of everyday rural life.
Technique & Style
Executed in wood engraving, Lepère employs strong linear contours and varied hatching to render texture and light. The stark contrast between dark and light areas creates a chiaroscuro effect that models volume and guides the eye through the composition. The expressive line work and careful modulation of tone highlight the artist’s command of the medium.
History & Provenance
Le Calvaire, St. Jean‑de‑Mont belongs to the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Lepère, noted for revitalising European wood engraving at the turn of the twentieth century, produced the print during a period when he was exploring rural subjects, contributing to the medium’s renewed artistic relevance.
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.
