Artwork

Lord A. Tennyson, 2nd plate

Lord A. Tennyson, 2nd plate, by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874
Lord A. Tennyson, 2nd plate, by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874

Lord A. Tennyson, 2nd 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. Lord A.

About this work

Overview

Lord A. Tennyson, 2nd plate is a print created by Alphonse Legros in 1874 using etching and aquatint techniques. It is a portrait of the British poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Tennyson with a serious expression, wearing a dark jacket and a black hat, and sporting a long white beard. His face is turned slightly to the left, and his eyes are cast downward, conveying a sense of contemplation.

Technique & Style

Legros employed intaglio techniques to capture Tennyson's portrait, utilizing the tonal range and textural effects of etching and aquatint to create a detailed and dimensional image. The solid-colored background helps to focus attention on the subject.

History & Provenance

Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist who became a British citizen, created this print in 1874. He was influential in reviving etching in Britain through his teaching and work across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and printmaking.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alphonse Legros

Artist

Alphonse Legros

Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.