Artwork
The Hanging of Levallois-Perret
The Hanging of Levallois-Perret is a print by the Impressionist artist Félicien Rops. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1986.112
- Credit line
- Gift of Louise S. Richards
About this work
Overview
The Hanging of Levallois-Perret, an etching by Belgian artist Félicien Rops, dates to around 1880. Characteristic of his work in intaglio techniques, this print showcases his ability to evoke powerful moods through contrast.
Subject & Meaning
Contrary to its title, the etching does not depict an execution scene but rather a contemplative, solitary figure of a woman in a dimly lit room. Her ambiguous pose and the half-lit, half-shadowed facial expression suggest introspection or melancholy, aligning with Rops' exploration of morbidity and social commentary prevalent in fin-de-siècle thought.
Technique & Style
Rops employed deep chiaroscuro in The Hanging of Levallois-Perret, leveraging stark contrasts between light and dark to create a heavy, mysterious atmosphere. This stylistic choice, typical of his Symbolist and Decadent affiliations, enhances the emotional depth of the scene.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1880, this etching reflects Rops' respected yet somewhat obscure position among Parisian bohemian circles of the time. Despite his versatility as a painter, illustrator, and printmaker, Rops enjoyed more esteem among peers than broad public acclaim during his lifetime.
Context
This work is situated within the fin-de-siècle movement, characterized by themes of mortality, psychological introspection, and critique of societal norms. Rops' engagement with these themes through The Hanging of Levallois-Perret situates it within a broader artistic and philosophical dialogue of late 19th-century Europe.
Legacy
While The Hanging of Levallois-Perret may not have contributed to widespread public recognition of Rops during his lifetime, it remains a significant example of his technical skill with intaglio and his thematic contributions to Symbolism and Decadence, influencing subsequent generations of artists exploring similar motifs.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Félicien Victor Joseph Rops (French: ; 7 July 1833 – 23 August 1898) was a Belgian artist associated with Symbolism, Decadence, and the Parisian fin de siècle, and was a member of the Les XX group.
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