Who painted Bérénice?

Bérénice was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1861.

Where can I see Bérénice?

Bérénice is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Bérénice?

Bérénice is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Bérénice

Alphonse Legros , 1861

Bérénice is a print by the Impressionist artist Alphonse Legros. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1945.278
Credit line: Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Williams Collection

About this work

Overview

Alphonse Legros produced the print titled Bérénice in 1861. The work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed among the museum’s nineteenth‑century holdings. As a monochrome image, it exemplifies Legros’s interest in drawing and tonal contrast during his early career.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a solitary woman named Bérénice, whose downcast gaze and solemn demeanor suggest introspection. She wears a dark, high‑collared dress, and her hair is gathered back, exposing a pale, illuminated face. The muted backdrop reinforces a contemplative atmosphere, inviting viewers to consider the inner emotional state of the figure.

Technique & Style

Legros employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, using stark light and deep shadow to model the figure’s features and give a sense of three‑dimensionality. The delicate gradations of tone around the face and hands create a subtle sfumato effect, softening edges while maintaining a clear focus on the subject’s expression.

History & Provenance

Created in the early 1860s, Bérénice reflects Legros’s formative period before his later academic appointments. The print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the twentieth century, where it has been conserved as an example of the artist’s printmaking practice and his engagement with historic subjects.