Artwork
Return of the Peasants

Return of the Peasants is a graphite drawing 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
Return of the Peasants is a graphite drawing created by Alphonse Legros in 1874. The artist, born in France, had established himself in London by the time of this work's creation.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing shows a rural scene, probably depicting peasants returning from their daily labor, offering a glimpse into their daily life.
Technique & Style
Legros executed the work in graphite, a medium that allowed for detailed rendering. As a practitioner of various artistic disciplines, including etching, Legros brought a range of technical skills to his drawings.
History & Provenance
Legros moved to London in 1863, where he contributed to a revival of etching in Britain. Return of the Peasants dates to 1874, a period when the artist was well-established in his adopted city.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.



















