Artwork

Footbridge (La passerelle)

Footbridge (La passerelle), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874
Footbridge (La passerelle), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874

Footbridge (La passerelle) 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

Footbridge (La passerelle) is an etching created by Alphonse Legros in 1874. Legros was a versatile artist who worked in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and medallic art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene countryside scene featuring a simple footbridge spanning a stream, surrounded by trees and a distant hill with buildings. The composition conveys a sense of stillness, with the leaning trees creating a subtle impression of movement.

Technique & Style

Legros employed loose, sketchy lines to capture the scene, leaving areas of the print relatively empty to evoke a sense of light and space. The etched medium allowed for expressive rendering of the natural surroundings.

History & Provenance

Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist, settled in London in 1863 and later became a British citizen. He played a significant role 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.