Artwork
Jules Dalou, 1st plate
Jules Dalou, 1st 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
Jules Dalou, 1st plate is an etching and drypoint print created by Alphonse Legros in 1874. The work is a portrait of French sculptor Jules Dalou, depicted in a characteristic style that reflects Legros's versatility as a painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of the print is Jules Dalou, a renowned French sculptor. The portrait captures him with a beard and wavy hair, his face turned slightly to the side, wearing a high-collared jacket. The informal, expressive depiction suggests a personal or professional acquaintance between the sitters.
Technique & Style
Executed in etching and drypoint, the print features loose, sketchy lines reminiscent of quick pencil strokes. This technique, involving scratching into a metal plate, achieves a sense of spontaneity. The textured, aged paper and bold, expressive lines are characteristic of Legros's contribution to the British etching revival.
History & Provenance
Created in 1874 by Alphonse Legros, a French artist later based in Britain, the print bears the signature 'A. Legros'. While specific provenance details are not provided, the work reflects Legros's role in the British etching revival of the late 19th century.
Context
Jules Dalou, 1st plate situates itself within the broader context of the British etching revival, a movement that saw a resurgence of interest in etching as an artistic medium in 19th-century Britain. Legros, with his French background, played a significant role in this revival.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
