Who painted Mme. Kemp, 4th plate?

Mme. Kemp, 4th plate was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Mme. Kemp, 4th plate?

Mme. Kemp, 4th plate is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Mme. Kemp, 4th plate?

Mme. Kemp, 4th plate is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Mme. Kemp, 4th plate

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Mme. Kemp, 4th 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. Created in 1874, *Mme.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1874, *Mme. Kemp, 4th plate* is an etching by Alphonse Legros. The work presents a half‑length portrait of a woman, rendered in monochrome with careful attention to line and tone. The composition focuses on her face and upper shoulders, set against a softly modeled background that suggests a wall or drapery.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, identified as Mme. Kemp, appears in a restrained pose, her hair gathered in an up‑do and a high‑necked blouse accented by a small brooch. Her gaze turns slightly to the left, and her expression conveys a sober, contemplative mood, inviting the viewer to consider her inner state rather than any narrative action.

Technique & Style

Legros employs traditional intaglio methods, using fine lines to model the facial features and broader hatching to suggest the folds of clothing and background shadows. The contrast between deep blacks and delicate grays creates a sense of depth, while the subtle modulation of tone gives texture to the skin and fabric, characteristic of mid‑19th‑century British etching revival.

History & Provenance

Born in France in 1837, Alphonse Legros settled in London in 1863, where he became a naturalized British citizen and a pivotal figure in the resurgence of etching. During his London years he taught at the Royal Academy and produced works across painting, sculpture, and printmaking. *Mme. Kemp, 4th plate* reflects his mature printmaking practice of the 1870s.