Artwork

Edge of a Forest in Bourgogne (Un coin de foret en Bourgogne)

Edge of a Forest in Bourgogne (Un coin de foret en Bourgogne), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874
Edge of a Forest in Bourgogne (Un coin de foret en Bourgogne), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874

Edge of a Forest in Bourgogne (Un coin de foret en Bourgogne) 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

Edge of a Forest in Bourgogne, an 1874 print by Alphonse Legros, depicts a dense woodland scene on the edge of a forest, characterized by thick, tangled trees and deep shadows.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a natural, unmanicured forest edge in Bourgogne, conveying a sense of wildness and density through the artist's expressive use of shading and texture.

Technique & Style

Legros utilized etching and drypoint techniques to achieve intricate, expressive lines and deep shadows, building texture through tiny scratches that evoke a rough, vibrant natural environment.

History & Provenance

Created in 1874 by Alphonse Legros, a French artist later based in Britain, this work reflects his role in the British etching revival and his approach to printmaking as both art and education.

Context

Part of Legros' broader engagement with printmaking, this piece demonstrates his mastery of intaglio techniques to capture nuanced, shadowed landscapes.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this piece are not provided, it contributes to Legros' overall influence on the revival of etching in Britain during the late 19th century.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alphonse Legros

Artist

Alphonse Legros

Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.