Artwork

Banks of the Somme near Amiens (Bord de la Somme pres d'Amiens)

Banks of the Somme near Amiens (Bord de la Somme pres d'Amiens), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874
Banks of the Somme near Amiens (Bord de la Somme pres d'Amiens), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874

Banks of the Somme near Amiens (Bord de la Somme pres d'Amiens) 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 Somme near Amiens is an etching created by Alphonse Legros in 1874. The print showcases Legros's skill in capturing detailed landscapes.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a serene riverside scene near Amiens, featuring tall trees and a winding river. The dense foliage in the distance gradually fades into soft lines, evoking a sense of depth.

Technique & Style

Legros employed fine, precise lines to convey the interplay of light and shadow on the natural textures of leaves and tree bark, imbuing the scene with a sense of peaceful vitality.

History & Provenance

Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist who became a British citizen, produced this work after settling in London in 1863. He was influential 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.