Who painted Small Lake (Le petit lac)?

Small Lake (Le petit lac) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Small Lake (Le petit lac)?

Small Lake (Le petit lac) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Small Lake (Le petit lac)?

Small Lake (Le petit lac) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Small Lake (Le petit lac)?

Museum-quality prints of Small Lake (Le petit lac) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Small Lake (Le petit lac)

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Small Lake (Le petit 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.

About this work

Overview

Alphonse Legros produced the print *Small Lake (Le petit lac)* in 1874. Executed with a combination of etching and dry‑point, the work presents a serene lakeside view, marked by delicate line work and subtle tonal shifts that convey a quiet atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a placid pond framed by darkened trees and a modest boat positioned near the middle. Light ripples radiate from the vessel, while the surrounding foliage is rendered in soft shadows, emphasizing the stillness of the scene.

Technique & Style

Legros employed traditional etching to incise fine lines into a metal plate, then added dry‑point scratches that hold ink more densely, producing velvety darks. This blend allows for precise detailing of the landscape and a nuanced contrast between light and shadow.

History & Provenance

Born in France and settled in London in 1863, Legros later became a British citizen and was instrumental in the 19th‑century revival of British etching through his teaching. *Small Lake* reflects his mature graphic style during his London period.

Context

The print aligns with Legros’s broader practice across painting, sculpture, and printmaking, illustrating his interest in natural subjects rendered with a restrained, academic approach common among late‑Victorian artists.