Artwork

Sir Frederick Leighton

Sir Frederick Leighton, by Alphonse Legros, 1878
Sir Frederick Leighton, by Alphonse Legros, 1878

Sir Frederick Leighton is a drawing 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 created a drawing titled 'Sir Frederick Leighton' in 1878, now held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing is a portrait of a man, likely Sir Frederick Leighton, depicted in profile with his head turned away from the viewer. The subject's hair and beard are rendered with expressive, loose lines.

Technique & Style

The artist employed chiaroscuro, using contrasts of light and shadow to create a three-dimensional effect on the subject's face. The beard's gradual fade into darkness exemplifies this technique.

Context

The use of chiaroscuro was a common method for creating depth in drawings during this period.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alphonse Legros

Artist

Alphonse Legros

Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.