Woods in Winter Sun, 1st plate (Soleil d'hiver dans les bois)

Legros employed drypoint, incising the metal plate with a sharp needle to produce deep, burr‑laden lines that appear as soft, web‑like strokes in the final print. These lines are overlaid with etched areas, creating a layered texture that gives the trees a tactile, almost sketch‑like presence despite the medium’s inherent precision.

Born in France and settled in London in 1863, Legros became a naturalised British citizen and was instrumental in the 19th‑century revival of British etching through his teaching. This 1874 print reflects his broader practice across painting, sculpture, and medallic art, and stands as an early example of his contribution to the medium’s resurgence.