Who painted Farm on a Hill (La ferme sur la colline)?

Farm on a Hill (La ferme sur la colline) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Farm on a Hill (La ferme sur la colline)?

Farm on a Hill (La ferme sur la colline) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Farm on a Hill (La ferme sur la colline)?

Farm on a Hill (La ferme sur la colline) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Farm on a Hill (La ferme sur la colline)

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Farm on a Hill (La ferme sur la colline) 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’ 1874 etching *Farm on a Hill* (La ferme sur la colline) presents a solitary farmhouse nestled against a sloping hillside. The composition is dominated by a dense line of trees that obscure most of the sky, while the foreground is covered with untended grass and scrub, giving the scene a rugged, natural feel.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a quiet, rural setting, emphasizing the isolation of the dwelling within a wild landscape. By foregrounding the encroaching vegetation and the modest structure, Legros suggests a harmonious, perhaps uneasy, relationship between human habitation and the surrounding countryside.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching, the image relies on swift, sketch‑like lines to render the texture of trees and underbrush, creating a tonal richness typical of Legros’ graphic practice. The approach aligns with Romantic sensibilities, favoring expressive, imperfect surfaces over polished finish.

History & Provenance

Born in France, Legros moved to London in 1863, where he became instrumental in the 19th‑century revival of British etching. *Farm on a Hill* was produced during this period of renewed interest, reflecting his role in re‑establishing the medium’s reputation in his adopted country.