Artwork
W.H. Longfellow, 1st plate
W.H. Longfellow, 1st plate 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. W.
About this work
Overview
W.H. Longfellow, 1st plate is a drypoint print created by Alphonse Legros in 1874. It is a portrait of the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts Longfellow's face and shoulders, rendered in loose, expressive lines. The bearded poet is characterized through subtle shading and texture, with the darkest areas concentrated in his hair and beard.
Technique & Style
Legros employed drypoint, scratching directly into a metal plate to create the image. This technique yields characteristic soft, slightly fuzzy lines, achieved without the use of acid. The resulting texture and tone evoke a sense of spontaneity and immediacy.
History & Provenance
Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist who became a British citizen, was instrumental in reviving etching in Britain through his teaching. He created this print in 1874, during a period when his artistic practice encompassed various mediums, including painting, etching, sculpture, and medallic art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
