Artwork

Fountain: Grotesque, Children and Basin (Une fountaine: Masque, enfants et bassin)

Fountain: Grotesque, Children and Basin (Une fountaine: Masque, enfants et bassin) 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

Fountain: Grotesque, Children and Basin is an etching created by Alphonse Legros in 1874. The artist, who was born in France but later became a British citizen, was active in various mediums including painting, sculpture, and medallic art.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a sculptural fountain featuring grotesque masks and figures, surrounded by children. The scene is rendered in detail, with textures of stone and water captured through the etching technique.

Technique & Style

Legros employed the etching technique to achieve a high level of detail and contrast between light and dark areas in the scene. The method involves scratching a design into a metal plate, allowing for intricate renderings of texture and tone.

History & Provenance

Alphonse Legros 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 Fountain: Grotesque, Children and Basin is a product of his work during this period.