Who painted The Footbridge (La Passerelle)?

The Footbridge (La Passerelle) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1884.

Where can I see The Footbridge (La Passerelle)?

The Footbridge (La Passerelle) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Footbridge (La Passerelle)?

The Footbridge (La Passerelle) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

The Footbridge (La Passerelle)

Alphonse Legros , 1884

The Footbridge (La Passerelle) is a print by the Impressionist artist Alphonse Legros. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Alphonse Legros produced the print titled The Footbridge (La Passerelle) in 1884. The work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. It depicts a modest footbridge spanning a shallow stream, framed by trees and a distant hill dotted with a few structures, creating a tranquil rural tableau.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a solitary figure seated on the grass beside the bridge, one arm propped as the person gazes toward the water. The placement of the lone observer amid the natural setting suggests a moment of quiet contemplation, emphasizing the relationship between human presence and the surrounding landscape.

Technique & Style

Legros employs a restrained line economy, using simple strokes to delineate light and shadow across the scene. The print’s tonal modulation relies on contrast rather than intricate detail, producing a calm atmosphere that aligns with the realist tendency to capture everyday moments with directness and modesty.

History & Provenance

Created in the late nineteenth century, The Footbridge entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains on view. The work reflects Legros’s broader engagement with printmaking during a period when he was active in both French and British artistic circles.