Artwork

Woman Reading: Lesson under the Trees (La liseuse: La lecture sous les arbres)

Woman Reading: Lesson under the Trees (La liseuse: La lecture sous les arbres) 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

Woman Reading: Lesson under the Trees is a print created by Alphonse Legros in 1874 using etching and drypoint techniques. The work showcases Legros' skill in intaglio printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a solitary woman reading under trees, evoking a serene atmosphere. The scene is characterized by tall, twisting trees with bare branches and a subtle landscape background.

Technique & Style

Legros employed fine, scratchy lines to create texture, particularly in the trees and grass, resulting in a loose and sketchy overall effect. The use of etching and drypoint allowed for tonal subtleties and expressive rendering of the scene.

History & Provenance

Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist who became a British citizen, created this work after settling in London in 1863. He played a significant role in reviving etching in Britain through his teaching.