Who painted Winter, 1st plate (L'hiver)?

Winter, 1st plate (L'hiver) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Winter, 1st plate (L'hiver)?

Winter, 1st plate (L'hiver) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Winter, 1st plate (L'hiver)?

Winter, 1st plate (L'hiver) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Winter, 1st plate (L'hiver)?

Museum-quality prints of Winter, 1st plate (L'hiver) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Winter, 1st plate (L'hiver)

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Winter, 1st plate (L'hiver) 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

Alphonse Legros’s drypoint print *Winter, 1st plate* (L’hiver) was executed in 1874. The work depicts a solitary figure trudging along a dimly lit path, burdened with a long, slender log balanced on the shoulder. The composition is rendered in stark, linear marks that suggest a wintry landscape of trees or hills receding into darkness.

Subject & Meaning

The lone traveler, cloaked in a simple shirt, shorts and a low‑slung hat, is shown bent forward, his face concealed, emphasizing anonymity and the universal strain of labor in harsh weather. The heavy log serves as a visual metaphor for the weight of survival, while the muted background reinforces a mood of isolation and endurance.

Technique & Style

Created with drypoint, Legros incised the image directly onto a copper plate, allowing the characteristic burr to produce rich, velvety lines and deep shadows. The print’s linear economy and dramatic chiaroscuro align it with Romantic sensibilities, where emotional intensity is conveyed through stark contrast rather than elaborate detail.

History & Provenance

Born in France, Legros moved to London in 1863, where he became a central figure in the British etching revival. *Winter, 1st plate* reflects his mastery of printmaking techniques that he promoted through teaching and exhibition. The work remains documented in collections that trace the artist’s influence on late‑19th‑century British print culture.