Who painted The Milkmaid of Boulogne?

The Milkmaid of Boulogne was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see The Milkmaid of Boulogne?

The Milkmaid of Boulogne is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Milkmaid of Boulogne?

The Milkmaid of Boulogne is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Milkmaid of Boulogne

Alphonse Legros , 1874

The Milkmaid of Boulogne 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

The Milkmaid of Boulogne is a 1874 drawing by Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist who later became a British citizen. Created with pen and brown ink, it exemplifies Legros' skill across various mediums.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman milking a kneeling cow, guided by a rope and stick. Her attire and the rural setting, complete with trees and a fence, suggest a rustic scene.

Technique & Style

Legros employed cross-hatching, a technique involving layered, intersecting lines, to create texture and depth without heavy shading. This method allows for nuanced representation using only ink.

History & Provenance

Legros settled in London in 1863 and contributed significantly to the revival of etching in Britain through his teaching. The Milkmaid of Boulogne reflects his artistic versatility.