Artwork
Head
Head is a chalk drawing by the Impressionist artist Alphonse Legros. It dates from 1879 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Head is a 1879 drawing by Alphonse Legros, a French artist who later worked in Britain. It is executed in black chalk on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a woman with her eyes closed, her loose hair framing her face. The subject is rendered in a contemplative state, with subtle facial features and texture.
Technique & Style
Legros employed loose, expressive lines and chiaroscuro shading to capture the subject's expression and depth. The sketchy strokes convey a sense of immediacy, characteristic of preparatory studies.
Context
This work exemplifies Legros' graphic style, which was influential in the British etching revival of the late 19th century.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
![Head of a Man Facing Left [recto], by Alphonse Legros](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/alphonse-legros--head-of-a-man-facing-left-recto--f7a024e42f6a9f0f-w320.webp)
