Death of the Vagabond (La mort du vagabond)

Alphonse Legros

Associated Names
Alphonse Legros

Artist, French, 1837 - 1911

The image shows a man reclining against the base of a tree, with his body stretched out along the ground. The tree leans diagonally in the composition, occupying a large portion of the left side, while the man's head rests against its trunk, gazing upwards. The horizon is not distinctly visible, as the scene is focused on the immediate surroundings of the tree and the man. There is a subtle background of softly depicted foliage and an indistinct, slightly darker area indicating distant terrain. The artwork is executed in a detailed line technique that emphasizes the texture of the tree bark and the folds of the man’s clothing, suggesting a printmaking or etching process. The image is rendered in a monochromatic sepia tone, which adds to the somber and contemplative atmosphere, with the darkest shades highlighting the contours and details.

Media Options

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1995

  • Prints by James McNeill Whistler and His Contemporaries, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1995, as Death of the Vagabond.

Bibliography

1923

  • A Catalogue of the Etchings, Drypoints and Lithographs by Professor Alphonse Legros (1837-1911) In the Collection of Frank E. Bliss. Preface by Campbell Dodgson. London: Privately printed, 1923.

Wikidata ID

Q65067685

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