Artwork

The Triumph of Death: Death Prepares a Dwelling for the Homeless (Le triomphe de la Mort: Lamort a prepare une demeure a des abandonnees)

The Triumph of Death: Death Prepares a Dwelling for the Homeless (Le triomphe de la Mort: Lamort a prepare une demeure a des abandonnees) 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 Triumph of Death: Death Prepares a Dwelling for the Homeless is a drypoint print created by Alphonse Legros in 1874 on light green paper. It is a representative work of Legros' graphic output, showcasing his exploration of macabre themes.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a skeletal figure, personifying Death, preparing a dwelling for a group of huddled, exhausted figures in tattered robes, suggesting a somber and ominous scene.

Technique & Style

Legros employed drypoint technique, scratching into the paper to achieve a scratchy, textured effect, and utilized sharp lines and deep shadows to create an eerie atmosphere.

Context

This work is associated with the Romanticism movement, characterized by its dark and dramatic style, and reflects Legros' contribution to the British etching revival of the time.

History & Provenance

Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist who became a British citizen, created this print after settling in London in 1863, where he taught etching and produced works across various mediums, including painting, etching, sculpture, and medallic art.