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 that combines etching with drypoint techniques. The work depicts a turbulent sky pierced by sharp lightning, rendered with dense, textured lines that convey a sense of weight and movement. The composition fades toward lighter tones at its borders, suggesting a lingering glow after the storm.
Subject & Meaning
The image focuses on a dramatic weather scene, emphasizing the raw power of a storm. By concentrating on atmospheric turbulence, the piece reflects the artist’s interest in capturing fleeting, expressive moments in nature, inviting viewers to contemplate the force and transience of such phenomena.
Technique & Style
Legros employed both etching and drypoint, allowing for a range of line qualities—from the deep, bold strokes that define the storm’s core to the finer, softer edges that suggest fading light. The juxtaposition of thick, rough textures with delicate gradations creates a dynamic visual tension characteristic of his graphic oeuvre.
History & Provenance
Alphonse Legros, born in France and later naturalized as a British citizen, produced the work after settling in London in the 1860s. His relocation marked the beginning of a career that blended teaching and practice, during which he became instrumental in the resurgence of etching in Britain.
Context
During the late 19th century, British printmaking experienced a revival, with Legros at its forefront. His dual role as educator and practitioner helped reintroduce traditional intaglio methods, and *Storm* exemplifies the period’s renewed interest in atmospheric and emotive subjects within graphic art.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
