Plague Victims of Rome (Les pestiferes de Rome)

Art Historical Context

In the haunting etching *Plague Victims of RomeLes pestiferes de)*, French-born artist Alphonse Leg captures the grim reality of a historical epidemic, dated to the period between 1826 and 1850. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Rosen Collection (Department CG-E, Classification: Print), this work exemplifies Legros's skill as a printmaker, blending Realism with dramatic intensity. Etching, Legros's favored medium, involves incising lines into a metal plate with acid, allowing for intricate textures and tonal depth that convey profound human suffering—perfect for evoking the chaos and despair of plague-stricken streets. The title references devastating plagues that ravaged Rome throughout history, such as those in the 17th century, symbolizing mortality and divine judgment in European art. Legros, influenced by 19th-century Realist masters like Courbet, used prints like this to democratize powerful imagery, making it accessible beyond elite paintings. This technique not only preserved visceral scenes but also invited reflection on public health crises, resonating even today. Visitors will appreciate how Legros's precise lines transform tragedy into timeless commentary, a testament to etching's enduring role in storytelling.

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...