Artwork
Storm (Un orage)
Storm (Un orage) 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
Created in 1874, *Storm (Un orage)* is a print executed by Alphonse Legros, a French‑born artist who established his career in Britain. The work combines drypoint with possible etching on a sheet of light‑green paper, resulting in a compact, atmospheric image that captures a turbulent sky over a landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a bleak, overcast sky dominating a scene of trees and a distant structure. The stark contrast between dark clouds and the muted ground conveys a sense of impending weather, inviting viewers to contemplate the power of nature and the quiet drama of a storm‑filled horizon.
Technique & Style
Legros employed intaglio methods, chiefly drypoint, to incise bold, expressive lines that define the clouds and foliage. The potential addition of etched areas allows for finer tonal gradations, while the choice of green paper subtly influences the overall tonal balance, lending the piece a cooler, more somber atmosphere.
History & Provenance
After moving to London in 1863, Legros became a central figure in the British etching revival, and *Storm (Un orage)* reflects his engagement with the medium during that period. The print was produced shortly after his relocation, marking an early example of his contribution to the resurgence of drypoint and etching in the United Kingdom.
Context
The work aligns with a broader 19th‑century interest in atmospheric landscape scenes, where artists explored the effects of weather on mood and perception. Legros’ approach mirrors contemporary trends in printmaking that emphasized expressive line work and tonal depth, positioning the piece within the era’s revival of traditional intaglio techniques.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
