Artwork
Cardinal Manning, 2nd plate
Cardinal Manning, 2nd plate 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’s 1874 lithograph, titled *Cardinal Manning, 2nd plate*, presents a monochrome portrait of the influential Catholic prelate. Executed in a loose, sketch‑like manner, the image isolates the cardinal’s face and neck against an empty margin, emphasizing the sitter’s features through minimal line and subtle shading.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures Cardinal Henry Edward Manning, a leading figure in 19th‑century English Catholicism. By focusing on a side view of his face, Legros highlights the cardinal’s dignified bearing while allowing the viewer to contemplate his intellectual presence without ornamental distraction.
Technique & Style
Created with lithography, the print relies on a single stone surface to transfer ink onto paper, yielding the characteristic tonal range of monochrome works. Legros employs rapid, fluid lines and restrained shading, leaving the paper’s edges untouched; this approach reflects the era’s interest in expressive, sketch‑like portraiture within the print medium.
History & Provenance
Born in France and relocating to London in 1863, Legros became a pivotal figure in reviving British printmaking through his teaching at the Slade School. *Cardinal Manning, 2nd plate* emerged during his mature period, illustrating his dual expertise in drawing and print production. The lithograph has since been catalogued among his contributions to 19th‑century British art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
