Artwork

En Forêt (Crépuscule) (In the Forest: Twilight)

En Forêt (Crépuscule) (In the Forest: Twilight), by Maxime Lalanne, ink, 1873
En Forêt (Crépuscule) (In the Forest: Twilight), by Maxime Lalanne, ink, 1873

En Forêt (Crépuscule) (In the Forest: Twilight) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Maxime Lalanne. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

En Forêt (Crépuscule), created by French artist François Antoine Maxime Lalanne in 1873, is an etching on laid paper depicting a serene forest scene at twilight. The work is part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The etching portrays a tranquil forest at dusk, with a winding path through tall, leafy trees leading to a small, shadowed figure by the water's edge. The composition captures the fleeting moment of twilight, evoking a sense of calm and solitude.

Technique & Style

Lalanne employed sharp, detailed etching to convey the texture of leaves and water ripples. The contrast between the dark, looming trees and the faintly lit sky emphasizes the twilight atmosphere, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing nuanced light with etching.

History & Provenance

Completed in 1873, En Forêt (Crépuscule) is now held in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., as part of its print collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Maxime Lalanne

Artist

Maxime Lalanne

François Antoine Maxime Lalanne (November 27, 1827 – July 29, 1886) was a French artist known for his etchings and charcoal drawings (fusain).

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