"Since Then" ("Depuis ce temps-la")

Art Historical Context

Alphonse Legros a prominent French etcher and painter active in late 19th century, *Since Then* (*Depuis ce temps-là*), a poignant drypoint print dated between 1826 and 1850. This title hints at themes of nostalgia or reflection on bygone eras, rendered with Legros's characteristic precision and emotional depth. As part of the 19th-century etching revival, Legros bridged Realism and Symbolism, drawing inspiration from masters like Rembrandt while infusing his works with a modern sensitivity to light and texture. The medium—drypoint on light green paper—is especially noteworthy. Drypoint involves scratching directly into a metal plate, raising a soft burr that produces rich, velvety lines with subtle tonal variations, ideal for capturing atmospheric effects. The unconventional light green paper enhances the print's delicate tonality, adding a layer of intimacy and freshness uncommon in traditional printmaking. This technique allowed Legros to achieve painterly qualities in a reproducible format, making fine art accessible beyond paintings. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's CG-E department, this print was generously gifted by George Matthew Adams in memory of his mother, Lydia Havens Adams. It exemplifies Legros's mastery of intaglio processes and invites visitors to ponder the passage of time through its subtle, textured narrative.

About the Artist

Alphonse Legros · 1837–1911

Alphonse Legros (1837–1911) was born in Dijon, France, and trained in Paris at the drawing school of Horace Lecoq de Boisbaudran, whose unconventional teaching method — which emphasised memory drawing and acute observation over academic convention — would leave a lasting mark on Legros's practice. At Lecoq's school he formed friendships with Jules Dalou and Auguste Rodin that endured throughout hi...