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.

Can I buy a print of Gust of Wind (Le coup de vent)?

Museum-quality prints of Gust of Wind (Le coup de vent) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

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 French‑born artist had settled in London a decade earlier and became a central figure in the British etching revival. The work exemplifies his interest in graphic media, combining a stark landscape with a sense of atmospheric motion.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents an empty, windswept terrain dominated by a solitary tree bent under an unseen force. Its twisted branches and the swirling sky convey the invisible power of a gust, while the rough ground and scattered rocks emphasize the harshness of the environment. The scene suggests nature’s transient, uncontrolled energy.

Technique & Style

Legros employed traditional copper‑plate etching, incising lines that he later deepened with cross‑hatching and tonal shading. The varied scratches create a dynamic texture, giving the impression of wind‑driven movement across the sky and foliage. The monochrome ink application, without any color, reinforces the stark, atmospheric quality of the image.

History & Provenance

After moving to London in 1863, Legros taught at the Slade School and influenced a generation of British printmakers. *Gust of Wind* was produced during his early London period, reflecting his commitment to reviving the etching medium. The print has been held in several public collections, documenting its role in the 19th‑century resurgence of British printmaking.