Artwork
Auguste Rodin
Auguste Rodin 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 brown‑ink etching presents a portrait of the sculptor Auguste Rodin. The work measures the likeness of the artist with a contemplative demeanor, his gaze lowered and his mouth set in a sober line. It exemplifies the intimate, monochrome portraiture typical of late‑nineteenth‑century printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The figure depicted is Rodin, recognizable by his beard and the thoughtful expression that suggests introspection. By portraying the sculptor in a moment of quiet reflection, the image conveys the inner focus often associated with creative practice, inviting viewers to consider the mental life behind his monumental works.
Technique & Style
Alphonse Legros employed fine hatching and cross‑hatching to model the facial features, achieving a layered sense of volume and texture. The brown ink lends a warm tonal range, while the careful line work delineates the hair, beard, and subtle shadows, producing a nuanced depth within the limited medium of etching.
History & Provenance
Legros, a French‑born artist who settled in London in the early 1860s and later naturalised as British, was a central figure in the British etching revival. This portrait reflects his engagement with portraiture during a period when printmaking experienced renewed interest, and it stands among his contributions to the revival of the medium in the late 1800s.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
