Artwork
H.W. Longfellow, 2nd plate
H.W. Longfellow, 2nd plate 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
Alphonse Legros produced a transfer lithograph in 1874 depicting the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The image presents the writer in a dark jacket, his long wavy hair and beard rendered with careful shading, set against a light background that isolates the figure. The portrait conveys a solemn, introspective mood, with Longfellow’s gaze directed outward, suggesting contemplation.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures Longfellow at a mature age, emphasizing his intellectual presence through a serious expression and distant look. The careful delineation of hair and beard, combined with the subdued palette, underscores the poet’s gravitas and the Romantic interest in individual emotion and inner life, inviting viewers to consider the literary figure’s inner world.
Technique & Style
Executed as a transfer lithograph, the image employs the medium’s capacity for fine line work and tonal variation. Legros’s handling of light and shadow creates depth in the facial features, while the smooth, light background enhances contrast. The overall aesthetic aligns with Romantic portraiture, prioritizing emotional resonance over strict realism.
History & Provenance
Created in 1874, the print reflects Legros’s active period after his relocation to London in 1863, when he became a naturalized British citizen. Known for his diverse practice—painting, etching, sculpture, and medal work—Legros contributed significantly to the revival of etching in Britain, and this portrait forms part of his broader printmaking output.
Context
Legros’s portrait of Longfellow emerges at a time when transatlantic cultural exchange was flourishing, with American literary figures gaining recognition in Europe. The Romantic sensibility evident in the work mirrors contemporary artistic trends that sought to convey the psychological depth of notable personalities, situating the print within both British print revival and broader 19th‑century artistic currents.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
