Artwork
Top of the Hill (Le haut de la colline)
Top of the Hill (Le haut de la colline) 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
Top of the Hill (Le haut de la colline) is a print created by Alphonse Legros in 1874, combining drypoint and possibly etching techniques.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene hillside scene with rolling hills, a single tree, and a village in the distance. Figures are shown ascending or gathered at an elevated viewpoint, suggesting a moment of contemplation or communal activity.
Technique & Style
Legros employed drypoint to achieve soft, scratchy lines and textured effects, giving the print a handmade, spontaneous feel. The technique involves scratching a metal plate to hold ink, resulting in a rough, unpolished appearance.
History & Provenance
Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist who became a British citizen, created this work after settling in London in 1863. He was influential in reviving etching in Britain through his teaching and practice across various mediums.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
