Who painted Victim of a Fire (Victime d'un incendie)?

Victim of a Fire (Victime d'un incendie) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Victim of a Fire (Victime d'un incendie)?

Victim of a Fire (Victime d'un incendie) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Victim of a Fire (Victime d'un incendie)?

Victim of a Fire (Victime d'un incendie) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Victim of a Fire (Victime d'un incendie)

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Victim of a Fire (Victime d'un incendie) 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

Victim of a Fire (1874) is a drypoint print by Alphonse Legros, a French-born British artist. The work captures a poignant moment in the aftermath of a fire, focusing on the human toll amidst destruction.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a man and a child lying on the ground, surrounded by fire debris, smoke, and flames. The composition emphasizes the emotional and tragic aspects of the scene, evoking pathos through the figures' poses and the chaotic backdrop.

Technique & Style

Executed in drypoint, the work leverages the medium's expressive potential, with fine lines, rough textures, and nuanced shading contributing to a sense of depth and turmoil, heightening the dramatic impact.

History & Provenance

Created in 1874, Victim of a Fire reflects Legros' role in the British etching revival. While specific provenance details are not provided, the piece is characteristic of his multifaceted artistic output as a painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.

Context

Part of a broader tradition of dramatic, emotionally charged art, this work can be contextualized within movements exploring human suffering and resilience in the face of disaster.