Artwork
Study of Delphic Sibyl; Head of a Man

Study of Delphic Sibyl; Head of a Man is a silver drawing by the Romanticist artist Alphonse Legros. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in silverpoint: A. Legros (underlined)
About this work
Overview
Study of Delphic Sibyl; Head of a Man is a 1874 drawing by Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist who later became a British citizen. It is executed in silverpoint on prepared paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts two figures: a woman with a headscarf at the top, and a bearded man below. The woman's face and the man's head are rendered in detail, while their bodies are more sketchily drawn. The woman may be a study for a Sibyl, a figure from classical mythology.
Technique & Style
The drawing showcases the fine, precise lines characteristic of silverpoint technique. Legros's use of this medium allows for a high level of detail, particularly in the faces of the two figures.
History & Provenance
Alphonse Legros was a versatile artist who worked in various media, including painting, etching, sculpture, and medallic art. He played a significant role in reviving etching in Britain and was also an educator.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation:; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.










![Figure Studies [verso], by George Romney](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/george-romney--figure-studies-verso--19708132818b32a0-w320.webp)





