Who painted Account Book (Le livre de comptes)?

Account Book (Le livre de comptes) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Account Book (Le livre de comptes)?

Account Book (Le livre de comptes) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Account Book (Le livre de comptes)?

Account Book (Le livre de comptes) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Account Book (Le livre de comptes)

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Account Book (Le livre de comptes) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Alphonse Legros. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1874, *Account Book* is an etching by Alphonse Legros, a French‑born artist who later settled in England and obtained British citizenship. The work exemplifies Legros’s involvement in printmaking during a period when he was instrumental in renewing interest in the etching medium among British artists.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts two figures seated together, their heavy outerwear suggesting a cold environment. The background is rendered in dense, turbulent lines that evoke a storm‑laden night, while the individuals’ subdued gestures and muted expressions convey a sense of quiet intimacy and restrained emotion.

Technique & Style

Legros employs incisive, scratchy lines to model the texture of the coats, giving the fabric a tactile roughness. The faces are rendered with minimal detail, relying on soft shading beneath the eyes to suggest inner feeling. The overall approach reflects the artist’s skill in manipulating line and tone to create atmospheric depth within the etching process.

History & Provenance

Legros, known for his work in painting, sculpture, and printmaking, taught at the Royal Academy Schools, where he championed the revival of etching in Britain. *Account Book* emerged during this pedagogical phase, illustrating his practical engagement with the medium. The print has since been held in several public collections, underscoring its relevance to the history of British printmaking.