Alphonse Legros

Alphonse Legros was a French artist born in 1837, who became a prominent figure in the Realism movement. He initially trained in France, studying at the École des Beaux-Arts in Dijon and later in Paris, where he was influenced by the works of Gustave Courbet. In 1863, Legros moved to London, where he became a significant influence on British art, particularly through his teaching at the Slade School of Fine Art. His work encompassed painting, etching, and sculpture, and he was known for his detailed and somber depictions of rural life and religious themes. Legros' impact extended beyond his own creations, as he played a crucial role in the revival of etching in England and mentored a generation of artists. He passed away in 1911, leaving behind a legacy of cross-cultural artistic exchange and innovation.