Artwork

Victims of the Lightning (Victimes de la foudre)

Victims of the Lightning (Victimes de la foudre), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874
Victims of the Lightning (Victimes de la foudre), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874

Victims of the Lightning (Victimes de la foudre) 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

Victims of the Lightning (Victimes de la foudre), created by Alphonse Legros in 1874, is an etching and drypoint print. This work showcases Legros's technical proficiency in intaglio techniques, characteristic of his contributions to the 19th-century printmaking revival in Britain.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dramatic and somber scene of individuals impacted by a lightning strike, evoking a sense of turmoil and distress through its dark and moody visual atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Executed in etching and drypoint, the piece highlights Legros's mastery of intaglio methods. These techniques, involving the scratching of designs into metal plates, impart a textured, depth-rich quality to the image.

History & Provenance

Created in 1874 by Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist naturalized in Britain, the work reflects his role in revitalizing etching in Britain, also influenced by his teaching.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alphonse Legros

Artist

Alphonse Legros

Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.