Artwork
Man Watering a Horse (Homme abreuvant un cheval)
Man Watering a Horse (Homme abreuvant un cheval) 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
Man Watering a Horse (Homme abreuvant un cheval) is an etching created by Alphonse Legros in 1874. The work showcases Legros' skill in printmaking, a medium he helped revive in Britain through his teaching.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a man in a long coat and hat tending to a horse, which is drinking from a bucket he holds. The simple landscape background features hills and trees, creating a serene scene that highlights the interaction between the man and the animal.
Technique & Style
The image is characterized by the detailed and textured appearance typical of etching. Legros employed a range of tones to achieve depth and contrast, from dark shadows to light highlights, demonstrating his mastery of the medium's linear precision.
History & Provenance
Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist, created this work after settling in London in 1863, where he later became a British citizen. His work spanned painting, sculpture, and printmaking, with a significant impact on the revival of etching in Britain.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
