Artwork
Thatched Cottage (Chaumiere)

Thatched Cottage (Chaumiere) 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
Thatched Cottage (Chaumière) is a 1874 print by Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist who later became a British citizen. Created using etching and drypoint, it showcases Legros' skill in printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene rural scene, featuring a simple thatched-roof cottage near a river. The tranquil atmosphere evokes a sense of stillness, as if a moment has been frozen in time.
Technique & Style
Legros employed drypoint to achieve a distinctive rough, scratchy texture. The drypoint technique involves scratching a needle directly into a metal plate, resulting in lines that hold ink and create a raw, realistic effect.
History & Provenance
Legros settled in London in 1863 and played a significant role in reviving etching in Britain through his teaching and artistic practice.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.

















