Artwork
The Prodigal Son, 4th plate (L'enfant prodigue)
The Prodigal Son, 4th plate (L'enfant prodigue) 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 Prodigal Son, 4th plate is an etching and drypoint print created by Alphonse Legros in 1874. It is executed in bistre, a brown ink that gives the work its distinctive tone. Legros was a French-born artist who later became a British citizen and played a significant role in the British etching revival.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates the biblical parable of the prodigal son, depicting a solitary figure seated under a tree, lost in contemplation. The scene is rendered in a simple yet evocative manner, with the figure dressed in a tunic and hat, holding a stick.
Technique & Style
Legros's characteristic graphic style is evident in the detailed rendering of the tree's branches and leaves, which imbue the scene with a sense of depth and atmosphere. The use of etching and drypoint techniques allows for a range of tonal values, from the dark shadows to the lighter areas of the print.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
