Artwork
Le Stryge de Notre Dame
Le Stryge de Notre Dame 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.
- 1941.299
- Credit line
- Twenty-fifth anniversary gift of Grover Higgins
About this work
Overview
Le Stryge de Notre Dame, created in 1890 by French artist Auguste Louis Lepère, is an etching that portrays a solitary, winged figure perched on a ledge above a cityscape. The composition is dominated by a range of gray tones, contrasting dark architectural forms with lighter sky and airborne birds, establishing a somber, atmospheric mood.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure resembles a gargoyle, its head turned to the right, wings spread and tail elongated, suggesting a guardian or watcher overlooking the urban environment. The presence of a church steeple among the rooftops reinforces the connection to Notre‑Dame, while the surrounding birds introduce a sense of movement and natural contrast to the stone sentinel.
Technique & Style
Executed as an etching, Lepère employs chiaroscuro to model volume, using deep shadows to define the gargoyle and buildings against a lighter background. The gradations of gray create depth and a three‑dimensional illusion, while the precise line work reflects his expertise in reviving traditional wood‑engraving methods within a modern printmaking context.
History & Provenance
Le Stryge de Notre Dame belongs to the later period of Lepère’s career, when he focused increasingly on print media after establishing himself as a painter. The work exemplifies his contribution to the resurgence of wood‑engraving techniques in Europe, though specific details of its exhibition history or ownership remain limited in the record.
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.
