Who painted Head of a Child?

Head of a Child was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1893.

Where can I see Head of a Child?

Head of a Child is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Head of a Child?

Head of a Child is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Head of a Child?

Museum-quality prints of Head of a Child are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Head of a Child

Alphonse Legros , 1893

Head of a Child is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Alphonse Legros. It dates from 1893 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:upper right in graphite: A. Legros (underlined) / 1893; lower right in graphite: A. Legros (underlined)

About this work

Overview

Head of a Child is a graphite drawing on laid paper tinted with a green wash, completed in 1893 by Alphonse Legros. The work presents a single, profile view of a young child, rendered with fine, controlled lines that emphasize the softness of the features against the subtly colored ground.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses exclusively on the child's head, capturing a moment of quiet introspection. By isolating the portrait from any background or narrative elements, Legros invites viewers to consider the innocence and fleeting nature of youth, conveyed through the delicate modeling of the facial planes.

Technique & Style

Legros employed graphite to build the portrait in layered, precise strokes, allowing tonal variation without heavy shading. The green-washed laid paper provides a muted, warm undertone that unifies the drawing and enhances the subtle contrasts. The approach reflects the academic drawing tradition while hinting at the emerging emphasis on tonal subtlety in late‑19th‑century British art.

History & Provenance

Born in France and settled in London in 1863, Legros became a central figure in the British etching revival, teaching at the Slade School of Fine Art.

Born in France and settled in London in 1863, Legros became a central figure in the British etching revival, teaching at the Slade School of Fine Art. This drawing, executed toward the end of his career, exemplifies his dedication to drawing as a foundational practice. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s studio, later entering a private collection before being acquired by a museum in the early 2000s.