Artwork
Finding the Sheep (Le mouton retrouve)
Finding the Sheep (Le mouton retrouve) 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 created the etching 'Finding the Sheep (Le mouton retrouvé)' in 1874. It is a representative work by the French-born artist who later became a British citizen and played a significant role in reviving etching in Britain.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a serene pastoral scene where a lone figure, possibly a shepherd, is searching for a lost sheep in a wooded area. The scene conveys a sense of quiet contemplation and solitude.
Technique & Style
Legros employed loose, expressive lines to capture the essence of the scene, eschewing fine details in favor of broad forms. The soft, gentle light pervading the etching contributes to its tranquil atmosphere.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
