Who painted Bathers (Les baigneuses)?

Bathers (Les baigneuses) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Bathers (Les baigneuses)?

Bathers (Les baigneuses) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Bathers (Les baigneuses)?

Bathers (Les baigneuses) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Bathers (Les baigneuses)

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Bathers (Les baigneuses) 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

Bathers (Les baigneuses), a 1874 drypoint print by Alphonse Legros, depicts a serene nude scene of two women in a wooded, natural setting.

Subject & Meaning

The print focuses on two nude female figures seated by a stream in a forest, emphasizing simplicity and the natural world. The subject reflects Legros' interest in figure studies through printmaking.

Technique & Style

Executed in drypoint, the work features strong, simple lines and a characteristic rough texture, imparting a spontaneous, sketch-like quality to the composition. The detailed, expressive rendering of tree bark contrasts with the more subdued treatment of the human forms.

History & Provenance

Created in 1874, Bathers is part of Legros' output after his 1863 relocation to London, where he contributed significantly to the revival of etching. The work is consistent with his prolific practice across mediums, including painting, etching, and sculpture.

Context

Within the broader art historical context, Bathers (Les baigneuses) aligns with late 19th-century European interests in both the natural world and the nude figure, while its medium reflects Legros' role in promoting drypoint and etching techniques in Britain.

Legacy

As a representative of Legros' printmaking, Bathers contributes to his legacy as a versatile artist and a key figure in the British etching revival of the late 19th century.