The Seine at the Mouth of the Canal Saint-Martin 1904

"The Seine at the Mouth of the Canal Saint-Martin" (1904) is a captivating etching by Auguste-Louis Lepère, now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago. This print captures the bustling activity of the Seine River in Paris, where boats are lined up along the canal and figures can be seen walking along the banks. Lepère's signature use of rich tonal values and meticulous detail is evident in the depiction of the cityscape and its inhabitants, creating a vivid and atmospheric scene. The artwork is a testament to Lepère's skill as a printmaker and his keen observation of everyday life in Paris. It showcases the artist's preference for depicting urban scenes in an expressive and realistic style. The etching was created using the technique of intaglio printing, a method that involves etching lines into a metal plate with acid.