Artwork
Night Crier (Le crieur de nuit)
Night Crier (Le crieur de nuit) 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
Night Crier (Le crieur de nuit) is a chine collé lithograph created by Alphonse Legros in 1874. Legros was a French-born artist who later settled in London, where he played a significant role in the British etching revival.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a nighttime street scene featuring a bearded man in a dark robe with a white collar, his face and hand illuminated against a dark background. The man's upward gaze and raised hand suggest he is calling out announcements.
Technique & Style
Legros employed lithography to achieve a dramatic effect, using chiaroscuro to create tension and emphasize the man's face and hand. Visible cross-hatching lines in the background add texture and depth to the image.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
