Artwork
Fountain: Grotesque, Children and Basin (Une fountaine: Masque, enfants et bassin)
Fountain: Grotesque, Children and Basin (Une fountaine: Masque, enfants et bassin) 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
Fountain: Grotesque, Children and Basin is an etching created by Alphonse Legros in 1874. The artist, who was born in France but later became a British citizen, was active in various mediums including painting, sculpture, and medallic art.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a sculptural fountain featuring grotesque masks and figures, surrounded by children. The scene is rendered in detail, with textures of stone and water captured through the etching technique.
Technique & Style
Legros employed the etching technique to achieve a high level of detail and contrast between light and dark areas in the scene. The method involves scratching a design into a metal plate, allowing for intricate renderings of texture and tone.
History & Provenance
Alphonse Legros settled in London in 1863 and later became a British citizen. He played a significant role in reviving etching in Britain through his teaching, and Fountain: Grotesque, Children and Basin is a product of his work during this period.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation:; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
- Fountain: Grotesque, Children and Basin (Une fountaine: Masque, enfants et bassin)
Fountain: Grotesque, Children and Basin (Une fountaine: Masque, enfants et bassin)
Small Fountain, Child Playing on the Grotesques (Petite fontaine, enfant qui joue surdes masques)
Drawing of fountain
Drawing of a fountain
Dessein d'une Fontaine orné avec les quatre Elements (Design for a Fountain Decorated with the Four Elements)