Artwork
Bend in the River (Un coin de riviere)
Bend in the River (Un coin de riviere) 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
Alphonse Legros’ 1874 etching *Bend in the River (Un coin de rivière)* presents a tranquil riverside vista rendered in ink on paper. The composition centers on a gently curving waterway flanked by dense foliage, conveying a moment of quiet natural observation. The work exemplifies Legros’ interest in atmospheric landscape and his skill in translating that mood through the etching medium.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures a secluded stretch of riverbank where trees and low shrubs crowd the water’s edge. The tangled, vigorous line work suggests untamed vegetation, while the soft, receding marks hint at distant landforms. The overall effect is one of calm immersion in a modest, unpopulated environment, inviting contemplation of the landscape’s subtle rhythms.
Technique & Style
Legros employs fine, scratchy lines to build texture across grass, bark, and water. Dense cross‑hatching creates the impression of tangled foliage, while lighter, more fluid strokes suggest the river’s surface and distant terrain. The contrast between heavily worked foreground and airy background demonstrates his control of line density to convey depth within a single‑plate etching.
History & Provenance
Born in France, Legros moved to London in 1863, where he became a central figure in the revival of British etching. *Bend in the River* was produced shortly after his relocation, reflecting his early contribution to the medium’s renewed popularity. The print has since been catalogued among his landscape series and appears in several public and private collections.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
