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, created by Alphonse Legros in 1874, is an etching and drypoint print. This work showcases Legros' skill in capturing everyday moments through his preferred medium, reflecting his influence in British etching revival.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene scene of two children interacting with a stone fountain. A grotesque mask spouts water, while the children engage with the basin—one peering in, the other holding a cup. The composition conveys a sense of quiet, everyday life.

Technique & Style

Legros employed etching and drypoint techniques. The drypoint method, which involves scratching lines into metal, is evident in the fuzzy edges and softly lit facial features of the children, achieving a photographic realism.

History & Provenance

Created in 1874 by Alphonse Legros, a French-born British artist, this print exemplifies his role in reviving etching in Britain through both his artwork and teaching.

Context

Part of Legros' body of work focusing on everyday life, this print reflects his interest in capturing mundane yet intimate moments, characteristic of his approach to printmaking.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this piece are not highlighted, it contributes to Legros' broader impact on British etching and his reputation for depicting serene, realistic scenes of daily life.