Artwork
A Guard Post (Un Poste de garde)

A Guard Post (Un Poste de garde) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Maxime Lalanne. It dates from 1871 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A Guard Post is an etching on Japanese paper created by French artist Maxime Lalanne in 1871. The print is part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a dimly lit room with a soldier standing guard by a window, while a figure lies asleep or still on a nearby bed. The scene conveys a sense of quiet vigilance.
Technique & Style
Lalanne employed quick, scratchy lines to achieve a sense of realism and urgency, focusing on the mundane aspects of everyday life. The etching technique, involving acid and needles, allowed for expressive and detailed renderings.
History & Provenance
Maxime Lalanne, who lived from 1827 to 1886, was a contributor to the 19th-century French etching tradition. His work, A Guard Post, dates back to 1871 and is now held in a prominent art collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
François Antoine Maxime Lalanne (November 27, 1827 – July 29, 1886) was a French artist known for his etchings and charcoal drawings (fusain).



















