Who painted The Big Trees?

The Big Trees was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see The Big Trees?

The Big Trees is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Big Trees?

The Big Trees is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of The Big Trees?

Museum-quality prints of The Big Trees are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Big Trees

Alphonse Legros , 1874

The Big Trees is an ink drawing 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

Executed with pen and brown ink complemented by a brown wash, the work presents a wooded landscape rendered in monochrome.

Alphonse Legros produced the drawing *The Big Trees* in 1874 while residing in London. Executed with pen and brown ink complemented by a brown wash, the work presents a wooded landscape rendered in monochrome. Legros, originally from France and later naturalised as a British citizen, was active in several media, including painting, etching, sculpture and medallic art, and was influential in the British revival of etching.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a group of massive trunks that dominate the foreground, their bold outlines and deep shading suggesting both mass and texture. Behind them a softer line of trees recedes into a hazy sky, creating a sense of depth. The contrast between the dark foliage and the lighter background conveys a tranquil atmosphere, inviting contemplation of the natural environment.

Technique & Style

Legros employed a combination of pen work and a brown wash to achieve a range of tonal values. Strong, decisive lines define the tree trunks, while the wash builds atmospheric gradations that model form and space. The monochromatic palette and emphasis on line reflect the artist’s engagement with graphic drawing practices prevalent in late‑19th‑century British art.

History & Provenance

Created during Legros’s London period, *The Big Trees* exemplifies his graphic output at a time when he was teaching at the Royal Academy Schools and promoting etching in Britain. The drawing remains in a public collection, documenting his contribution to the revival of printmaking techniques and his broader artistic practice beyond painting.