Auguste Louis Lepere Paintings

Auguste Louis Lepère was one of the foremost French printmakers of his time. Born on November 30, 1849, in Paris, he began his artistic career as a commercial wood engraver under the tutelage of his father, a wood carver, before studying with the engraver Henri Theophile Hildebrand. Lepère's early work was influenced by traditional wood engraving techniques, which he mastered before moving on to experiment with etching and lithography.

Lepère's innovative approach to printmaking, which often involved combining different techniques, helped revitalize the medium of wood engraving in France at the end of the 19th century. He was particularly known for his landscapes and scenes of daily life in Paris, which he depicted with great detail and a sense of atmospheric mood.

Throughout his career, Lepère was involved with various artistic societies, including the Société des Aquafortistes, which played a crucial role in the resurgence of interest in etching as an artistic medium. His work was exhibited widely, including at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1889 and 1900, where he received medals for his contributions to graphic arts.

Beyond his technical prowess, Lepère also had a significant impact on the next generation of printmakers. He was a mentor to many young artists and advocated for the recognition of printmaking as a fine art, rather than merely a craft or commercial trade.

Auguste Lepère's dedication to his craft and his influence on the art of printmaking were widely recognized during his lifetime. He passed away on November 20, 1918, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire artists for years to come and help to establish printmaking as a respected and valued art form in the modern era.