Artwork
Centaur Carrying a Tree Trunk
Centaur Carrying a Tree Trunk is a graphite drawing 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
Centaur Carrying a Tree Trunk is a drawing created by Alphonse Legros in 1874. It is executed in brown and green ink over graphite.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a centaur, a mythological creature that is half-man and half-horse, straining to carry a heavy tree trunk. The centaur is shown lying on its side, with the trunk positioned over its shoulder.
Technique & Style
The drawing is characterized by loose, scratchy lines and shading achieved through crisscrossed strokes, giving it a rough, sketchy appearance. The artist's use of quick, uneven lines conveys a sense of expressive energy.
History & Provenance
Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist, created this work after settling in Britain, where he contributed to the etching revival and taught in London from 1863.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
Peasant and Ass
The Sacrifice of Marcus Curtius
Clap of Thunder
Study for "Surprise" (Battle of the Tigers)
Orlando Rescuing Oliver from the Lion
A Female Figure Seated on an Entablature, Holding a Distaff
Noah and the Animals Entering the Ark
Death and Its Horse
La Chute de Phaëton (The Fall of Phaeton)
Romulus and Remus Found by Faustulus (recto)