Who painted Little Burner of Grass (Le petit bruleur d'herbe)?

Little Burner of Grass (Le petit bruleur d'herbe) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Little Burner of Grass (Le petit bruleur d'herbe)?

Little Burner of Grass (Le petit bruleur d'herbe) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Little Burner of Grass (Le petit bruleur d'herbe)?

Little Burner of Grass (Le petit bruleur d'herbe) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Little Burner of Grass (Le petit bruleur d'herbe)?

Museum-quality prints of Little Burner of Grass (Le petit bruleur d'herbe) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Little Burner of Grass (Le petit bruleur d'herbe)

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Little Burner of Grass (Le petit bruleur d'herbe) 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

Created in 1874, *Little Burner of Grass* (Le petit brûleur d'herbe) is a print executed in both etching and dry‑point on a light‑coloured buff paper.

Created in 1874, *Little Burner of Grass* (Le petit brûleur d'herbe) is a print executed in both etching and dry‑point on a light‑coloured buff paper. The work presents a modest, weather‑worn shelter set within a forested landscape, where a solitary figure tends a modest fire. The composition conveys a quiet, somewhat isolated atmosphere, emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow across the natural setting.

Subject & Meaning

The image centers on a small, roughly built hut nestled among trees and underbrush, with a crouching individual stoking a fire beside it. The sparse, almost deserted environment suggests themes of solitude, survival, and the humble routines of rural life. The muted palette and restrained detail focus the viewer’s attention on the simple act of maintaining warmth in a secluded place.

Technique & Style

Legros combined traditional etching, where lines are incised into a metal plate, with dry‑point, a method that creates burr‑rich, velvety lines by directly scratching the surface. The resulting print displays delicate gradations of tone, achieved through careful shading that models the forms of the hut, foliage, and figure. The use of buff paper adds a warm undertone, enhancing the overall sense of quiet intimacy.

History & Provenance

Alphonse Legros, born in France in 1837, relocated to London in 1863 and later became a naturalized British citizen. Beyond painting and sculpture, he was instrumental in the 19th‑century revival of etching in Britain, teaching the medium to a new generation of artists. This 1874 print reflects his mastery of printmaking techniques during the period when he was actively promoting the art form.