1888
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Rouen Cathedral (La Cathedral de Rouen) is a 1888 ink by Auguste Lepère, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This drawing shows a huge cathedral with tall spires and pointed arches. The front has three big doors, and the walls are packed with tiny carvings and windows. People stand outside, looking small next to the towering building. The sketch uses soft pencil strokes and shading to show light and shadow. The artist focused on the cathedral’s details—every stone and arch looks real, even from a distance. This style was common in the late 1800s when artists studied how light changed buildings. Check out the technique: engraving to see how artists carve images into wood.
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.
See the richer artist page
