Artwork

Rectory Wall (Le mur du presbytere)

Rectory Wall (Le mur du presbytere), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874
Rectory Wall (Le mur du presbytere), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874

Rectory Wall (Le mur du presbytere) 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

Rectory Wall (Le mur du presbytere) is a print created by Alphonse Legros in 1874 using etching and drypoint techniques. The artist, who was born in France but later became a British citizen, was known for his work in various mediums and played a significant role in reviving etching in Britain.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene rural scene featuring a stone wall, trees, and a small house in the background. A person leans against the wall, gazing at a sheep on the ground, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation.

Technique & Style

Legros employed etching and drypoint to achieve a range of textures and line qualities. Drypoint allowed for fine, detailed lines, which were used to render the wall and trees with greater intricacy than the figures.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alphonse Legros

Artist

Alphonse Legros

Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.