Who painted The House of the Well (La maison du puits)?

The House of the Well (La maison du puits) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see The House of the Well (La maison du puits)?

The House of the Well (La maison du puits) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The House of the Well (La maison du puits)?

The House of the Well (La maison du puits) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of The House of the Well (La maison du puits)?

Museum-quality prints of The House of the Well (La maison du puits) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The House of the Well (La maison du puits)

Alphonse Legros , 1874

The House of the Well (La maison du puits) 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. Created in 1874, *The House of the Well* is a print that combines etching with drypoint.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1874, *The House of the Well* is a print that combines etching with drypoint. The work presents a modest rural dwelling centered around a well, surrounded by a winding path, trees, and uneven ground. Rendered in a range of gray tones, the image conveys a quiet, bucolic atmosphere without the use of color.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on a simple house and its well, which serve as the sole point of concentration. A few figures gather near the well, suggesting communal activity in an otherwise solitary landscape. The scene reflects a Romantic interest in everyday rural life and the emotional resonance of nature’s modest settings.

Technique & Style

Legros employed both traditional etching and the more immediate drypoint method, allowing for fine line work and rich, velvety shadows. The trees are built up with dense, stippled strokes, while the ground and structures are defined by quicker, rougher lines. This combination produces a textured surface and a tonal depth characteristic of late‑19th‑century British printmaking.

History & Provenance

Born in France, Alphonse Legros moved to Britain in 1863 and quickly became a central figure in the British etching revival. *The House of the Well* exemplifies his contribution to the period’s renewed appreciation for printmaking as a creative medium, rather than merely a reproductive technique.

Context

The print aligns with the Romantic movement’s emphasis on natural scenery and emotional expression. Its focus on a humble rural setting mirrors contemporary artistic trends that valued the picturesque qualities of the countryside, while Legros’s technical approach reflects the broader revival of etching in Victorian England.