Artwork

Figure Standing under a Stone Arch

Figure Standing under a Stone Arch, by Jean-Laurent Legeay, ink, 1768
Figure Standing under a Stone Arch, by Jean-Laurent Legeay, ink, 1768

Figure Standing under a Stone Arch is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jean-Laurent Legeay. It dates from 1768 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower left in plate: J.L. Legeay inven et Sculpsit

About this work

Overview

Figure Standing under a Stone Arch is a 1768 etching on laid paper by Jean-Laurent Legeay, depicting a solitary figure beneath a intricately carved stone arch.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a person in antiquated attire standing alone under a tall, ornate archway adorned with carvings and a clock face, set against a backdrop of foliage and a turbulent sky. The figure's isolation and the stormy atmosphere contribute to a quiet, enigmatic mood.

Technique & Style

Legeay employed etching to achieve meticulous detail, characterized by fine lines that define the architectural elements, the figure's attire, and the natural surroundings, enhancing the overall sense of serenity and mystery.

History & Provenance

Created in 1768, the etching's provenance is not detailed here, focusing instead on its creation by Jean-Laurent Legeay during this period.

Context

The work reflects 18th-century interests in detailed, atmospheric depictions of architecture and solitary figures, possibly influenced by the era's artistic fascination with antiquity and melancholic landscapes.

The Great Hall at Conway Castle
The Great Hall at Conway Castle, George Cuitt the Younger

Artist & collection

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

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Figure Standing under a Stone Arch?

Figure Standing under a Stone Arch was painted by Jean-Laurent Legeay in 1768.

Where can I see Figure Standing under a Stone Arch?

Figure Standing under a Stone Arch is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Figure Standing under a Stone Arch?

Figure Standing under a Stone Arch is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Figure Standing under a Stone Arch?

Museum-quality prints of Figure Standing under a Stone Arch are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.