1874
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Wash-house, called "The Washerwomen" (Le lavoir, dite "Les Laveuses") is a 1874 ink by Alphonse Legros, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows two women bent over by a river, scrubbing clothes on rocks. The water ripples around them, and trees and bushes frame the scene. In the background, a small house and a church tower peek through the foliage. The artist used fine lines to show texture—like the women’s wrinkled hands and the rough bark of trees. It’s all drawn in black and white, but the details make it feel real. Next, check out etching to see how artists like this create sharp, layered lines.
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
