Artwork

Along the River (Le long de la rive)

Along the River (Le long de la rive), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874
Along the River (Le long de la rive), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874

Along the River (Le long de la rive) 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

Along the River (Le long de la rive) is a print created by Alphonse Legros in 1874, combining etching and drypoint techniques. Legros was a French-born artist who later became a British citizen and played a significant role in promoting etching in Britain.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a riverside scene with two tall, bare trees and a fallen tree trunk half-buried in vegetation. The rough water is conveyed through jagged lines, suggesting movement and energy.

Technique & Style

Legros employed a scratchy, textured style to capture the interplay of light and shadow, creating a sense of vitality in the scene. The intaglio technique used allows for detailed rendering of tones and textures.

History & Provenance

Legros settled in London in 1863 and later became a British citizen, influencing the British art scene through his work and teaching, particularly in the revival of etching.

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: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.