Who painted Clap of Thunder?

Clap of Thunder was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Clap of Thunder?

Clap of Thunder is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Clap of Thunder?

Clap of Thunder is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Clap of Thunder

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Clap of Thunder is an ink 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

Created in 1874, *Clap of Thunder* is a pen and brown‑ink drawing with a brown wash applied to laid paper. The work measures roughly a sheet of paper and presents a turbulent scene rendered in swift, gestural lines that convey motion and atmospheric tension.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts two horses caught in a storm‑laden landscape. One animal rears, its mane flaring, while the other lies partially submerged in churned earth. Gnarled trees and a sky rendered in swirling, dark strokes suggest the violent forces of nature overwhelming the figures.

Technique & Style

Legros employs rapid, rough strokes and dense cross‑hatching to build texture and depth. The brown wash adds tonal variation, while the ink’s fluidity mirrors the chaotic weather. This approach highlights his proficiency with ink and wash, a medium he frequently explored across his varied oeuvre.

History & Provenance

French‑born Alphonse Legros settled in London in 1863 and later naturalised as a British citizen. By the 1870s he was active as a painter, etcher, sculptor, and medalist, and he taught at the Slade School, influencing the revival of etching in Britain. The drawing remains in a private collection, reflecting his lasting impact on British printmaking.