Artwork

Woods in Winter Sun, 2nd plate (Soleil d'hiver dans les bois)

Woods in Winter Sun, 2nd plate (Soleil d'hiver dans les bois), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874
Woods in Winter Sun, 2nd plate (Soleil d'hiver dans les bois), by Alphonse Legros, ink, 1874

Woods in Winter Sun, 2nd plate (Soleil d'hiver dans les bois) 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

Woods in Winter Sun, 2nd plate is a 1874 print by Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist who later worked in Britain. It is executed in drypoint and etching.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene winter woodland scene with trees standing in snow, bathed in low sunlight. Dark lines and shading render the trees, while the snow-covered ground is textured, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Legros employed intaglio techniques, using hatching and cross-hatching to create depth and dimension in the forest. The lines are bold and expressive, giving the scene energy.

History & Provenance

Legros created the work after relocating to London in 1863, where he played a key role in reviving etching in Britain.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alphonse Legros

Artist

Alphonse Legros

Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.