Artwork
Maréchal Joffre
Maréchal Joffre is a drawing by Auguste Louis Lepère. It dates from 1914 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1974.159
- Credit line
- Delia E. Holden Fund
About this work
Overview
Auguste Louis Lepère's 1914 drawing, Maréchal Joffre, is a portrait of a military figure rendered in a dynamic and expressive style. The work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a man in military uniform, adorned with medals and a feathered hat, likely representing a high-ranking officer. The subject's identity is tied to the title, Maréchal Joffre, referencing Joseph Joffre, a prominent French military leader during World War I.
Technique & Style
Lepère employed chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark, to create a sense of drama and focus on the subject's face. Loose, rapid lines characterize the drawing, conveying a sense of energy and spontaneity.
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.
