Artwork Page for Paris under Snow

Details / Information for Paris under Snow

Paris under Snow

1890

Auguste Louis Lepère

(French, 1849–1918)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
wood engraving
Measurements
Border: 30.2 x 45.4 cm (11 7/8 x 17 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Malcolm L. McBride 1947.138
Catalogue raisonné
Lotz-Brissonneau 230
State
only state
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Wood engraving was perfected about 1770 in England by Thomas Bewick (1753–1828). Since the end grain of a hard wood is used, the block can be engraved with a sharp instrument called a burin, making closely set lines possible and producing a great range of textures and tones. The surface of the block is inked and printed so that the engraved lines appear as white areas. The strength of the block meant that numerous impressions could be printed. Wood engraving thus became a principal method for illustrating books and newspapers in the 19th century. Lepère developed an extraordinary mastery of wood engraving, which he used to effectively describe a snowy view of central Paris. The confetti-like snowflakes silhouetted against the dark river, and the overall blurring effect caused by the snowfall in the distance, are a tour de force.
A horizontally oriented print in black ink on beige paper overlooks a snow-covered cityscape. In the foreground, fine hatching creates textured roofs above a river with small boats. On the left, a bridge crowded with carriages leads toward an island. To the right, the detailed Gothic towers of Notre Dame rise behind rows of buildings. Small, dark specks represent birds in a hazy sky, which stretches toward a distant, sunlit dome.

Paris under Snow

1890

Auguste Louis Lepère

(French, 1849–1918)
France, 19th century

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