Artwork

Plate made for an Exhibition at the Dunthorne Home (Planche faite pour une exposition chez Dunthorne)

Plate made for an Exhibition at the Dunthorne Home (Planche faite pour une exposition chez Dunthorne) 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

Next, look up etching, drypoint, aquatint to see how artists like this made detailed prints.

This sketch shows a winding path through a forest. Tall trees line both sides, their branches reaching across the narrow trail. The ground is covered in dry leaves and shadows, giving the scene a quiet, misty feel. At the bottom, there’s handwritten text about an invitation to see etchings.

The artist used fine lines to create texture, making the trees look almost like feathers. This was made as an invitation for an exhibition in 1891.

Next, look up etching, drypoint, aquatint to see how artists like this made detailed prints.

Overview

This print, 'Plate made for an Exhibition at the Dunthorne Home', was created by Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist who later became a British citizen. It is an etching and drypoint work, produced in 1891.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene forest scene with a winding path, tall trees, and a carpet of dry leaves. Handwritten text at the bottom invites viewers to an exhibition of etchings, indicating the print's original purpose as an invitation.

Technique & Style

Legros employed fine lines and texture to convey the forest atmosphere, using the techniques of etching and drypoint. The detailed rendering of trees, with branches resembling feathers, showcases his skill in creating nuanced, high-contrast images.

History & Provenance

The print was made for an exhibition at the Dunthorne Home in 1891, reflecting Legros's involvement in printmaking and his role in promoting the medium through his work and teaching.