Who painted The Fire, 2nd plate (L'incendie)?

The Fire, 2nd plate (L'incendie) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see The Fire, 2nd plate (L'incendie)?

The Fire, 2nd plate (L'incendie) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Fire, 2nd plate (L'incendie)?

The Fire, 2nd plate (L'incendie) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Fire, 2nd plate (L'incendie)

Alphonse Legros , 1874

The Fire, 2nd plate (L'incendie) 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

The Fire, 2nd plate (L'incendie), an etching created by Alphonse Legros in 1874, captures a chaotic scene of panic and desperation amidst a burning backdrop.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dark, smoky street where people flee in disarray, carrying belongings. A kneeling woman clutches a child and a bag, while another tends to a fallen man nearby, with an overturned cart in the background, conveying the human plight in the face of disaster.

Technique & Style

Legros employed the etching technique, scratching into a metal plate to achieve rough, expressive lines that imbue the scene with urgency. The method allowed for textured layers, particularly evident in the dense smoke and shadows, enhancing the overall sense of turmoil.

History & Provenance

Created in 1874 by Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist naturalized in Britain, this work reflects his contribution to the revival of etching in Britain, also influenced by his teaching.

Context

As a multifaceted artist (painter, sculptor, and printmaker), Legros's work in etching, such as *The Fire, 2nd plate*, situated him at the forefront of a medium experiencing resurgence in late 19th-century Britain.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of *The Fire, 2nd plate* are not provided, Legros's overall impact on British etching is well-documented, with his teaching and body of work inspiring future generations of printmakers.