Who painted Gust of Wind (Le coup de vent)?

Gust of Wind (Le coup de vent) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Gust of Wind (Le coup de vent)?

Gust of Wind (Le coup de vent) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Gust of Wind (Le coup de vent)?

Gust of Wind (Le coup de vent) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Gust of Wind (Le coup de vent)

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Gust of Wind (Le coup de vent) 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

Created in 1874, *Gust of Wind (Le coup de vent)* is an etching by Alphonse Legros. The print depicts a windswept scene where trees lean under a forceful breeze, the ground covered in untamed grass and shrubs, and a sky rendered with turbulent, sketch‑like lines that convey motion.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures a moment of natural turbulence, emphasizing the transient power of wind across a rural landscape. By focusing on the bending trees and the restless sky, Legros draws attention to the invisible force that shapes the environment, inviting viewers to sense the atmosphere through visual cues.

Technique & Style

Legros employed traditional etching methods, incising the design into a metal plate and using acid to bite the lines. Ink rests in these incised grooves, producing a grainy, textured surface that reinforces the impression of gusting air. The loose, scratchy line work contributes to a dynamic, almost audible sense of movement.

History & Provenance

Born in France, Legros later settled in Britain and became a naturalized citizen. During the 1870s he was active as a painter, sculptor, and printmaker, and his teaching played a central role in the revival of etching in the United Kingdom. This work exemplifies his engagement with the medium at that time.

Context

The 1870s saw a renewed interest in printmaking in Britain, partly due to Legros’s influence as an educator at the Royal Academy Schools. *Gust of Wind* reflects the period’s fascination with atmospheric effects and the technical possibilities of etching, aligning with broader European trends toward realism and tonal nuance.