Artwork

Along the Terne (Sur la terne)

Along the Terne (Sur la terne), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874
Along the Terne (Sur la terne), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874

Along the Terne (Sur la terne) 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 Terne is a print created by Alphonse Legros in 1874 using etching and drypoint techniques.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dense, dark forest edge with thick brush and gnarled trees, and a faint path or river winding through the distance. The contrast between the dense foreground and lighter background creates a sense of depth and mood.

Technique & Style

Legros employed etching and drypoint to achieve a rough, textured effect, with ink accumulating in the grooves to produce deep shadows. This technique was characteristic of 19th-century printmaking, which often prioritized expressive drama over precise detail.

History & Provenance

Alphonse Legros, born in France in 1837, created Along the Terne after settling in London in 1863, where he became a naturalized British citizen and played a significant role in reviving etching in Britain through his teaching.

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.