Artwork
Head of a Man (Tete d'homme)
Head of a Man (Tete d'homme) 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
Head of a Man (Tête d'homme) is an etching created by Alphonse Legros in 1874. The artist, born in France but later based in Britain, was a prominent figure in the revival of etching in the UK.
Subject & Meaning
The print is a close-up portrait of an elderly man with a long white beard and mustache. His face is largely in shadow, revealing deep wrinkles and tired eyes, and is set against a stark black background.
Technique & Style
The etching technique used by Legros produces fine lines and textures, giving the print a grainy, sketch-like quality. The image was incised into a metal plate, resulting in a detailed and expressive representation of the subject.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
