Who painted Lake Nemi?

Lake Nemi was painted by Vicomte Ludovic Lepic in 1870.

Where can I see Lake Nemi?

Lake Nemi is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Lake Nemi?

Lake Nemi is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Lake Nemi?

Museum-quality prints of Lake Nemi are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Lake Nemi

Vicomte Ludovic Lepic , 1870

Lake Nemi is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Vicomte Ludovic Lepic. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:recto: lower left in blue pencil: à De Gas / épreuve unique Lepic; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: S596

About this work

Overview

Created in 1870 by Vicomte Ludovic Lepic, this print combines etching with a monoprint overlay on Chinese paper. The work presents a tranquil lakescape, where a solitary tree occupies the left foreground and a distant mountain rises beyond the water’s edge. Clouded skies and muted reflections convey a subdued, contemplative mood.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a quiet lake, its surface mirroring the overcast heavens. A lone tree extends its branches outward, suggesting a dialogue between land and water, while the distant mountain adds depth and a sense of remote grandeur. The overall atmosphere encourages quiet reflection on nature’s stillness.

Technique & Style

Lepic employed traditional etching methods, then applied a monoprint layer to introduce tonal variation and texture. The use of Chinese paper, prized for its absorbency, enhances the subtle gradations of ink, producing a soft, almost velvety surface that distinguishes the work from purely line-based prints.

History & Provenance

The piece originates from the late nineteenth‑century French printmaking tradition, a period when artists experimented with mixed techniques to broaden expressive possibilities. While specific ownership records are sparse, the work remains associated with Lepic’s oeuvre, reflecting his interest in combining classic engraving with newer, more experimental print processes.