Who painted Angler (Le pecheur a la ligne)?

Angler (Le pecheur a la ligne) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Angler (Le pecheur a la ligne)?

Angler (Le pecheur a la ligne) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Angler (Le pecheur a la ligne)?

Angler (Le pecheur a la ligne) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Angler (Le pecheur a la ligne)?

Museum-quality prints of Angler (Le pecheur a la ligne) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Angler (Le pecheur a la ligne)

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Angler (Le pecheur a la ligne) 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

Alphonse Legros produced the intaglio print *Angler (Le pecheur à la ligne)* in 1874. Executed with a combination of etching and drypoint, the work shows a lone figure fishing on a riverbank, surrounded by trees and a gently flowing watercourse. The composition conveys a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The image centers on a solitary angler seated on the ground, wearing a hat and a long coat, rod in hand, poised in patient expectation. The surrounding foliage and distant river suggest a harmonious relationship between the individual and the natural environment, inviting reflection on solitude and the act of waiting.

Technique & Style

Legros employed traditional intaglio methods, using etched lines for broader forms and drypoint for richer, velvety edges. The contrast between crisp outlines and softer, burr‑laden strokes creates depth and a tactile sense of the riverbank’s foliage, while the limited tonal range emphasizes mood over detail.

History & Provenance

Born in France, Legros settled in London in 1863 and later naturalised as a British citizen. By the 1870s he was a prominent teacher at the Royal Academy Schools, where he advocated a revival of etching in Britain. *Angler* reflects his pedagogical focus on fine draftsmanship and the expressive potential of printmaking.

Context

The print aligns with Romantic sensibilities that prized emotional resonance and the sublime qualities of nature. Though executed in a precise, academic manner, the work’s emphasis on a solitary figure immersed in a tranquil landscape echoes the era’s fascination with personal introspection amid natural settings.