Auguste-Louis Lepère, Loups de Mer, 1898, Lithograph on Paper

Details

Description

Auguste-louis lepère (1849-1918)

loups de mer
("sea basses" or "sea dogs")

original lithograph from the glorious portfolio "l'estampe … Read more Auguste-louis lepère (1849-1918)

loups de mer
("sea basses" or "sea dogs")

original lithograph from the glorious portfolio "l'estampe moderne", issue #10 (february 1898)

on wove paper

year: 1898

size (sheet): 405 x 305 mm

blind stamp of the publisher, lower right

excellent condition: minor signs of age and handling
full margins (not cropped, not trimmed)
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about the collection (l'estampe moderne)

l'estampe moderne appeared in 1897-1899 as a series of 24 monthly fascicles, each containing 4 original lithographs, printed by parisian imprimerie champenois. Many accomplished european art nouveau painters contributed works to this publication, which contained only original prints invented and produced especially for this collection. The publication was edited by charles masson and h. Piazza. Each issue came in a paper cover bearing an original lithograph by alphonse mucha.
each lithograph was accompanied by a tissue containing the details (title of the artwork, name of the artist, etc.) and a short text by a well-known author who inspired the artist.
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the artist

auguste-louis lepère was a towering figure in the revival of the woodcut and a visionary of french graphic arts during the late 19th century. Originally trained as a commercial wood-engraver, he rebelled against the mechanical standards of the time to champion "original wood engraving," where the artist’s hand guided every stage of the process. His technical virtuosity allowed him to capture the flickering light of parisian boulevards and the rugged textures of the vendée countryside with equal brilliance.

lepère was more than a printmaker; he was a painter, illustrator, and master of the "total book," overseeing everything from typography to binding. His work often depicted the vitality of the working class and the ever-changing architectural landscape of paris. By blending a modern, almost journalistic eye with a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship, lepère elevated the print to a fine art, influencing a generation of illustrators and ensuring the woodcut’s survival in the age of photography.
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from the text on the tissue paper:

en ramant

sur la mer qui brame
le bateau partit,
tout seul, tout petit,
sans voile, à la rame.
si nous chavirons
plus ne reviendrons.
sur les avirons
tirons!
la mer est méchante;
mais l'homme joyeux
n'a pas froid aux yeux.
elle gueule. Il chante.
si nous chavirons
nous le sentirons.
sur les avirons
tirons !

sur la mer qui roule
et vomit l'embrun
le ciel lourd et brun
en trombe s'écroule.
si nous ne virons,
nous y périrons.
sur les avirons
tirons!
sur la mer qui brame
il est revenu
tout seul et tout nu,
le bateau sans rame.
plus ne partirons,
plus ne reviendrons.
sous les goémons
dormons !

jean richepin

english translation:

while rowing

upon the braying sea
the boat set out,
all alone, so very small,
without a sail, by the oar.
if we capsize
we shall return no more.
upon the oars,
pull!

the sea is wicked;
but the joyful man
does not flinch.
she bellows. He sings.
if we capsize
we shall feel it.
upon the oars,
pull!

upon the rolling sea
that vomits the spray,
the heavy, brown sky
collapses in a waterspout.
if we do not turn,
we shall perish there.
upon the oars,
pull!

upon the braying sea
it has returned
all alone and all bare,
the boat without an oar.
no more shall we depart,
no more shall we return.
beneath the seaweed,
let us sleep!

jean richepin

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important:

. The listing is for the original print, in the above mentioned excellent condition.
. The original tissue paper introduction will be given to the buyer as a gift
. The cover by mucha and the edition (back of the cover) are shown as a reference and proof of authenticity and edition i have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
designer records,
or other literature sources and take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising
from
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