Who painted Woodcutters, 3rd plate (Les bucherons)?

Woodcutters, 3rd plate (Les bucherons) was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1874.

Where can I see Woodcutters, 3rd plate (Les bucherons)?

Woodcutters, 3rd plate (Les bucherons) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Woodcutters, 3rd plate (Les bucherons)?

Woodcutters, 3rd plate (Les bucherons) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Woodcutters, 3rd plate (Les bucherons)

Alphonse Legros , 1874

Woodcutters, 3rd plate (Les bucherons) 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

Woodcutters, 3rd plate (Les bucherons) is an 1874 etching by Alphonse Legros, a French artist who relocated to Britain. This print showcases his contribution to the revival of etching in 19th-century London.

Subject & Meaning

The etching portrays two laborers in a forest, intently cutting down trees. The scene emphasizes the physicality of their cooperative work, conveying a sense of industriousness and quiet dedication.

Technique & Style

Legros employed bold lines and expressive shading to achieve depth and texture. The dense foliage background contrasts with the foreground figures, highlighting the men's exertion in a style aligned with Romanticism's emphasis on nature and human emotion.

History & Provenance

Created in 1874, this etching reflects Legros's influence on British printmaking following his 1863 move to London. His multifaceted career spanned painting, sculpture, and printmaking.

Context

This work is associated with the Romantic movement, which often highlighted the relationship between humans and the natural world, emphasizing emotional and physical labor within landscapes.

Legacy

As a key figure in Britain's etching revival, Legros's *Woodcutters* contributes to the medium's renewed popularity in the late 19th century, influencing subsequent generations of printmakers.