Artwork
Auguste Delatre
Auguste Delatre 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, this print by Alphonse Legros combines etching and drypoint to render a portrait of Auguste Delatre. The work measures the artist’s interest in capturing a distinctive personality through a relatively spare compositional approach, focusing on the sitter’s face and upper torso against an unadorned background.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait presents Auguste Delatre, a contemporary figure linked to the artistic circles of the late‑19th century. His direct gaze, thick moustache, and wavy hair suggest a confident, perhaps scholarly presence, while the lack of contextual details invites viewers to consider his role within the broader cultural milieu rather than a specific narrative.
Technique & Style
Legros employed a combination of etching and drypoint, allowing for both fine line work and the characteristic burr of drypoint that yields softer, velvety tones. Quick, sketchy strokes delineate the shirt, bow tie, and jacket, imparting a spontaneous, almost unfinished quality that reflects a 19th‑century preference for expressive immediacy over meticulous detail.
History & Provenance
Born in France, Legros moved to London in 1863 and later naturalised as a British citizen, becoming a pivotal figure in the revival of British printmaking. His teaching and practice helped re‑establish etching as a respected medium, and this 1874 portrait exemplifies his contribution to that resurgence.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
