Le Cuivre

Art Historical Context

Le Cuivre, created in 1895 by Pierre-Eugène Vibert, is a lithograph printed in black on distinctive pink wove paper. Measuring just under 10 by 13 inches, this intimate work highlights the expressive potential of lithography, a planographic process invented in the late 18th century that allowed artists to draw directly onto stone or metal plates. By the 1890s, lithography had become a favored medium for original artistic expression rather than mere reproduction, enabling subtle tonal effects and a fluid, almost drawn quality. The unexpected choice of pink paper infuses the black ink with a gentle warmth and visual softness, creating an elegant contrast that enhances the print’s overall atmosphere. Such experimental use of colored supports was part of a broader late-19th-century interest in elevating printmaking as a fine-art form, appealing to collectors who valued both technical skill and aesthetic innovation. Now in the collection of the National Gallery of Art through the generosity of The Atlas Foundation, Le Cuivre offers visitors a window into the refined craftsmanship and creative possibilities of lithography at the close of the 19th century.