1874
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Fire, 2nd plate (L'incendie) is a 1874 ink by Alphonse Legros, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a chaotic scene of people fleeing a fire. Flames and smoke fill the background, while figures in the foreground struggle—some running, others carrying belongings or helping children. The lines are rough and urgent, making the scene feel fast and panicked. The artist used a technique that lets them scratch directly into the metal plate, creating those sharp, textured lines. This isn’t a smooth drawing—it’s raw and immediate, like the moment itself. Next, check out etching to see how artists use acid and needles to make prints like this one.
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
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