Who painted Return from the Plowing (Le retour de labourage)?

Return from the Plowing (Le retour de labourage) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Return from the Plowing (Le retour de labourage)?

Return from the Plowing (Le retour de labourage) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Return from the Plowing (Le retour de labourage)?

Return from the Plowing (Le retour de labourage) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Return from the Plowing (Le retour de labourage)?

Museum-quality prints of Return from the Plowing (Le retour de labourage) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Return from the Plowing (Le retour de labourage)

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Return from the Plowing (Le retour de labourage) 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, *Return from the Plowing* is a black‑and‑white print that records a moment of quiet after a day’s work in the fields.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1874, *Return from the Plowing* is a black‑and‑white print that records a moment of quiet after a day’s work in the fields. The composition follows three laborers as they make their way home, their silhouettes set against a stark, leaf‑less woodland. The image conveys both the physical fatigue of the workers and the subdued atmosphere of the countryside at dusk.

Subject & Meaning

The scene presents three agricultural workers trudging through uneven ground, their garments coated with earth. One figure supports himself on a long wooden plow, emphasizing the tools of their trade. The bare trees that loom overhead frame the figures, suggesting the harshness of the environment while also underscoring a sense of perseverance and the cyclical nature of rural life.

Technique & Style

Legros combined traditional etching with drypoint, allowing him to render delicate, fine lines alongside richer, burr‑produced strokes. This mix creates a textured surface that captures the roughness of the soil, the bark of the trees, and the worn fabric of the workers’ clothing. The contrast between crisp outlines and softer, grainy areas gives the print a tactile, almost lived‑in quality.

History & Provenance

Born in France, the artist relocated to London in 1863 and later acquired British citizenship, becoming a central figure in the revival of British printmaking. Through his teaching at the Royal Academy, he encouraged a new generation to explore etching. *Return from the Plowing* reflects his commitment to the medium and stands as an early example of his influence on 19th‑century British art.