Artwork

Liberty Enlightening the World, Offered to the City of Paris by the Americans

Liberty Enlightening the World, Offered to the City of Paris by the Americans is a print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Louis Lepère. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Although this statue may be recognizable, the scene is not set in New York.

Accession no.: 2007.293
Credit line: Gift of Carole W. and Charles B. Rosenblatt

About this work

This print shows a smaller Statue of Liberty standing on a tiny island in the Seine River, right in the middle of Paris.

This print shows a smaller Statue of Liberty standing on a tiny island in the Seine River, right in the middle of Paris.

It’s not the famous New York statue, this one was a gift from Americans to France in 1889. The artist carved it in wood, giving the scene a rough, handmade feel. Both countries share this symbol, but here it looks almost like a quiet neighbor, not a towering landmark.

If you like this, look up other works about France, 19th century.

Overview

Although this statue may be recognizable, the scene is not set in New York. Hundreds of smaller versions of the Statue of Liberty reside around the world, including the one depicted in this print, which is located in Paris. Both the United States and France see the statue as a symbol of freedom, and Americans gave one as a gift to Parisians during the 19th century.

Did you know?

This print was published in the popular journal Le Monde Illustré on May 30, 1885.

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.