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 etching and dry‑point on a pale green sheet of paper. The work presents a tranquil, mist‑laden landscape featuring a modest thatched hut, a few slender trees, and a solitary figure at the water’s edge, evoking the hush of an early morning.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures a moment of quiet contemplation: a lone individual appears to be gathering vegetation or simply resting beside a still waterway. The damp ground, softened foliage, and low‑lying fog together suggest a scene of gentle labor or repose within a rural setting, emphasizing the subtle interaction between human presence and nature.

Technique & Style

Legros combined traditional etching with dry‑point, allowing him to render fine, velvety lines that convey the texture of bark, thatch, and mist. The direct incisions of dry‑point produce a rich, slightly blurred edge, while the etched lines provide precise definition, creating a layered surface that balances detail with atmospheric softness.

History & Provenance

Born in France and later naturalized as a British citizen, Alphonse Legros settled in London in 1863, where he became instrumental in the 19th‑century revival of British printmaking. This print exemplifies his early engagement with the medium, reflecting the broader artistic interests that later encompassed painting, sculpture, and medallic work.