Artwork
Auguste Poulet-Malassis
Auguste Poulet-Malassis is a print by the Impressionist artist Alphonse Legros. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Alphonse Legros produced the print titled Auguste Poulet‑Malassis in 1878. Executed in black‑and‑white, the work portrays a bearded gentleman in a collared shirt and a dark jacket draped over his shoulder. The image resides in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as an example of late‑19th‑century portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, identified as Auguste Poulet‑Malassis, appears with a full beard and mustache, suggesting a mature, possibly intellectual figure. His direct gaze and composed posture convey a sense of dignity and self‑assurance, typical of portrait conventions that aimed to capture the character and social standing of the individual.
Technique & Style
Legros employed line work and tonal shading to model the facial features, creating a three‑dimensional effect within the flat medium of print.
Legros employed line work and tonal shading to model the facial features, creating a three‑dimensional effect within the flat medium of print. The background consists of textured, linear patterns reminiscent of wood grain, providing contrast without detracting from the figure. The subtle gradations of tone reflect the period’s interest in soft blending techniques akin to sfumato, enhancing the realism of skin tones.
History & Provenance
Since its creation in 1878, the print has remained in institutional hands, ultimately entering the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings. The museum’s acquisition underscores the work’s relevance to the study of French printmaking and Legros’s role in the artistic exchanges between France and the United States during the late nineteenth century.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
