Who painted Plain near a Lake (La plaine pres du lac)?

Plain near a Lake (La plaine pres du lac) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Plain near a Lake (La plaine pres du lac)?

Plain near a Lake (La plaine pres du lac) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plain near a Lake (La plaine pres du lac)?

Plain near a Lake (La plaine pres du lac) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Plain near a Lake (La plaine pres du lac)

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Plain near a Lake (La plaine pres du lac) 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, *Plain near a Lake* (La plaine près du lac) is an intaglio print that combines etching with drypoint.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1874, *Plain near a Lake* (La plaine près du lac) is an intaglio print that combines etching with drypoint. The work presents a tranquil, gently undulating terrain beside a modest lake, its surface marked by a few small boats. A line of distant buildings and low hills frames the scene, giving the composition a sense of spaciousness.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures a quiet rural setting, emphasizing the interplay between land, water, and sky. Sparse vegetation and scattered trees punctuate the shoreline, while the calm water reflects a simple, everyday activity—boating—suggesting a moment of repose within an otherwise unremarkable landscape.

Technique & Style

Legros employed the traditional etching process to lay down broad tonal areas, then enhanced the picture with drypoint’s characteristic burr, producing rich, velvety lines that convey depth. The contrast of light and shadow, achieved through varied line weight, creates a layered effect that balances sketch-like spontaneity with meticulous detail.

History & Provenance

Born in France, Alphonse Legros relocated to London in 1863 and later became a naturalized British citizen. As a painter, sculptor, and medallist, he also taught at the Royal Academy, where his advocacy helped revive British interest in etching during the late nineteenth century. This print reflects his commitment to the medium and his transnational artistic identity.