1874
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Shadow (Ombre) is a 1874 ink by Alphonse Legros, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a dimly lit room with a group of people gathered around a table. Some are standing, others leaning in, all facing a central figure who seems to be speaking or playing music. The lighting is dramatic—dark shadows fill most of the space, while a single candle or lamp casts a faint glow on the faces and objects. The lines are scratchy and uneven, giving the scene a rough, almost urgent feel. The artist used shading to create depth, making the figures blend into the darkness. This was a common way to show mood in Romantic-era art. Next, look up etching to see how artists like Legros made prints like this.
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
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