Artwork
Banks of the Saint-Pre (Rive du Saint-Pre)
Banks of the Saint-Pre (Rive du Saint-Pre) 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
Banks of the Saint-Pre (Rive du Saint-Pre) is a print created by Alphonse Legros in 1874. The work is an etching, a technique that involves using acid to etch designs onto metal plates.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a serene riverside landscape along the Saint-Pre, characterized by a narrow path flanked by two tall trees with intertwining branches. The scene is marked by soft, damp ground and shadows, evoking a cool and mysterious atmosphere.
Technique & Style
Legros employed quick, scratchy lines to convey light and texture, capturing the natural setting's vitality. The use of etching allowed for expressive renderings of elements like leaves and water, bringing the scene to life through the interplay of ink and paper.
History & Provenance
Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist who became a British citizen, created the work after settling in London in 1863. He was influential in reviving etching in Britain through his teaching, reflecting his expertise in the medium.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
