Artwork
Old Village (Ville vieille)
Old Village (Ville vieille) 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
Old Village (Ville vieille) is a print created by Alphonse Legros in 1874 using etching and drypoint techniques. The work is characteristic of Legros' graphic style, known for fine and expressive lines.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene village scene with a small house, twisted trees, and a lone figure. The focus is on the textures and weathered appearance of the village, evoking a sense of age and ruggedness.
Technique & Style
Legros employed etching and drypoint to achieve the detailed, high-contrast image. The emphasis on rough textures, such as tree bark and thatched roofs, is typical of Romantic-era prints, which often highlighted the expressive potential of graphic media.
History & Provenance
Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist who became a British citizen, created this work after settling in London in 1863. He was instrumental in reviving etching in Britain through his art and teaching.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
