Fisherman's Quarter 1915

Auguste-Louis Lepère created the etching "Fisherman's Quarter". Lepère came of age in France during a period of rapid urbanization and industrial change which displaced many rural communities. He began his career as an illustrator, often depicting scenes of everyday life with a sensitivity towards working-class subjects. In "Fisherman's Quarter," Lepère shows us a waterside community. Laundry hangs out to dry, a well is in use, and the architecture is modest. The artist directs our attention to the children in the foreground. Their presence complicates the narrative, prompting us to consider the lived experiences of families navigating the economic realities of their time. Lepère's choice of the etching medium adds to the emotional resonance of the piece. Lepère’s decision to focus on the realities of working-class life invites reflection on social and economic disparities. His work serves as a reminder of the human stories often overshadowed by the grand narratives of history.