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
Alphonse Legros produced the etching *Head of a Man* in 1874. Executed as a single‑plate print, the work presents a close‑up portrait of a bearded figure turned toward the right. The image exemplifies Legros’s commitment to the medium during a period when he was actively promoting etching as a fine art in Britain.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a mature male sitter with long, wavy hair and a full beard. His gaze, directed to the right, conveys a contemplative mood, while the pronounced facial lines suggest both individuality and a broader Romantic interest in the inner life of the subject.
Technique & Style
Legros employs bold, flowing lines to delineate the beard and hair, while cross‑hatching and varied tonal washes create depth and texture across the face. The contrast of light and shadow intensifies the portrait’s dramatic quality, aligning the piece with Romantic sensibilities that favor expressive line work and emotive rendering.
History & Provenance
Born in France in 1837, Legros settled in London in 1863 and later became a naturalized British citizen. As a teacher at the Royal Academy Schools, he played a pivotal role in the 19th‑century revival of etching in the United Kingdom, and this print reflects his dual identity as both practitioner and educator.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
