Artwork
Torso
Torso is a graphite 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
Torso is a 1874 drawing by Alphonse Legros, a French artist who worked in London. It is executed in graphite on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts the front of a woman's torso, with her arms at her sides, omitting her head and legs. The classical style of the figure is characterized by smooth lines and gentle curves, conveying simplicity and elegance.
Technique & Style
Legros used graphite on textured laid paper to create the image, employing visible cross-hatching to achieve texture and depth. The resulting effect is a nuanced representation of the human form.
History & Provenance
Alphonse Legros settled in London in 1863, where he contributed to the revival of etching in Britain through his work across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
