1874
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Plague Victims of Rome (Les pestiferes de Rome) is a 1874 ink by Alphonse Legros, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching depicts a somber scene of plague victims in Rome. The central figure, a priest, holds a staff and a lantern, while another figure, possibly a doctor, stands beside him. The group is surrounded by several people, some of whom are kneeling or lying on the ground, suggesting illness or death. A dog is seen in the foreground, adding to the sense of desolation. In the background, a building with an arched doorway and a cross on top is visible, evoking a sense of religious and architectural context. The overall atmosphere of the etching is one of sorrow and despair, conveying the devastating impact of the plague on the city. To learn more about the artist's use of etching and drypoint techniques, explore the works of Legros, Alphonse.
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
See the richer artist page
