Who painted Old Sorbonne?

Old Sorbonne was painted by Auguste Lepère in 1885.

Where can I see Old Sorbonne?

Old Sorbonne is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Old Sorbonne?

Old Sorbonne is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Old Sorbonne

Auguste Lepère , 1885

Old Sorbonne is a print by the Impressionist artist Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Old Sorbonne, a wood engraving by Auguste Louis Lepère, dates to 1885. The piece is held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a lively scene outside a grand, multi-story building with a steeply pitched roof, identified as the Old Sorbonne. Figures engage in daily activities amidst animals, conveying a sense of everyday life.

Technique & Style

Lepère employed chiaroscuro, contrasting light and dark shades of gray, to create depth and draw the viewer into the scene. The foreground figures and building facade are rendered in sharper contrast against a lighter background.

History & Provenance

Created in 1885 by Lepère, a key figure in the European wood engraving revival, the work's provenance is traced to its current holding at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Auguste 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.