Edge of a Brook (Bord de ruisseau) 

Alphonse Legros created this print, Edge of a Brook, using etching. Note the density of the etched lines, creating areas of deep shadow and texture that pull us into the scene. The composition is dominated by a large tree trunk, its massiveness emphasized by the intricate network of lines defining its bark. This creates a powerful vertical thrust. The surrounding foliage, rendered with looser, more gestural lines, seems to vibrate with life. The brook at the bottom is suggested by simple horizontal strokes. Legros masterfully exploits the tonal range achievable through etching. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with nature. This natural scene is not just an aesthetic object but an open field for interpretation, revealing how we perceive nature through the formal qualities of line, texture, and composition.