Artwork

Head of a Man Looking Up to the Right

Head of a Man Looking Up to the Right, by Alphonse Legros, silver, 1894
Head of a Man Looking Up to the Right, by Alphonse Legros, silver, 1894

Head of a Man Looking Up to the Right is a silver drawing by the Impressionist artist Alphonse Legros. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:in later hand, across center verso in graphite: A. Legros / "Study of a man's head, looking up, mouth open) / (C.J.Knowles collection); lower center verso in blue: 45 A

About this work

Overview

Head of a Man Looking Up to the Right is a drawing created by Alphonse Legros around 1894. It is executed in silverpoint on prepared paper.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Legros's use of silverpoint, a technique involving drawing with a silver point on specially prepared paper. This method was often associated with Realist artists, who valued its ability to capture precise detail and subtle texture.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a man's head turned upwards to the right. The subject's gaze suggests a sense of contemplation or attention directed towards something outside the frame.

History & Provenance

Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist, produced this work after relocating to Britain, where he contributed to the British etching revival. Legros was a versatile artist who worked in multiple mediums, including painting, etching, sculpture, and medal design.

Head of a Man Facing Left
Head of a Man Facing Left, Alphonse Legros

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Head of a Man Looking Up to the Right?

Head of a Man Looking Up to the Right was painted by Alphonse Legros in 1894.

Where can I see Head of a Man Looking Up to the Right?

Head of a Man Looking Up to the Right is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Head of a Man Looking Up to the Right?

Head of a Man Looking Up to the Right is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Head of a Man Looking Up to the Right?

Museum-quality prints of Head of a Man Looking Up to the Right are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.