Artwork

Egg-sellers, 1st plate (Les marchandes d'oeufs)

Egg-sellers, 1st plate (Les marchandes d'oeufs), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874
Egg-sellers, 1st plate (Les marchandes d'oeufs), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874

Egg-sellers, 1st plate (Les marchandes d'oeufs) 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

Egg-sellers, 1st plate is a print created by Alphonse Legros in 1874 using etching and drypoint techniques. Legros was a French-born artist who later became a British citizen and played a significant role in promoting etching in Britain.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two women selling eggs, rendered in simple attire and seated on the ground. One woman holds a basket of eggs while the other leans in, possibly to assist or converse. The scene captures a moment of everyday life.

Technique & Style

The image is characterized by loose, expressive lines and a textured background achieved through repeated hatching. The use of etching and drypoint creates a scratchy, spontaneous effect, conveying a sense of immediacy.

History & Provenance

Legros settled in London in 1863 and later became a British citizen. He was influential in reviving etching in Britain through his teaching and artistic practice.

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.