Franchard Valley Possibly 1888 - 1908

Auguste-Louis Lepère made this print, Franchard Valley, using etching and engraving techniques in France sometime around the turn of the 20th century. Lepère’s vision of Franchard Valley is far from a straightforward representation. It's a carefully constructed image, reflecting the cultural values and artistic trends of the time. Look at how the dramatic sky and rugged terrain romanticize the French countryside, evoking a sense of awe. This aesthetic aligns with the rise of landscape painting as a vehicle for expressing national identity and the sublime. However, Lepère was also deeply involved in the revival of printmaking as a democratic art form. The etching, as a relatively affordable medium, broadened access to art. To understand Lepère's work fully, we can consult period publications, exhibition reviews, and artist manifestos. These resources shed light on the complex interplay between art, commerce, and social change in late 19th-century France.