Artwork

Thatched Cottage (Chaumiere)

Thatched Cottage (Chaumiere), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874
Thatched Cottage (Chaumiere), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874

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

Portrait of Alphonse Legros

Artist

Alphonse Legros

Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.