Les Fauteuils d'orchestre
1878
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1878
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Les Fauteuils d'orchestre is a 1878 ink by Auguste Lepère, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white sketch shows a crowded theater. The seats are packed with people, all facing forward, their heads turned slightly toward each other. Some wear hats, others have wavy hair, and a few hold fans or gloves. The stage area is dark, with just a hint of a curtain or backdrop at the top. The artist used sharp lines and shadows to show every wrinkle and fold. Notice how the faces look almost too real, like they’re watching something together. The tiny details in the clothing and expressions make it feel alive. This is an example of engraving, where the artist carved lines into wood to create the image.
