The Cooper (Le tonnelier) 

Alphonse Legros created this piece with etching. The composition shows a scene in the countryside, where you can see the tonnelier, or cooper, working on a barrel. The composition is built around a central figure surrounded by the tools and materials of his trade. Notice how the use of line creates areas of light and shadow, providing texture and depth to the scene. The buildings and surrounding landscape are depicted with detailed strokes, giving a sense of place and atmosphere. Legros' focus on the everyday life of laborers aligns him with Realist values. The artist uses a limited range of tones, but consider the texture of the image, achieved through the etching technique. This detail highlights not just the external appearance, but also the dignity and substance of the cooper's work. It invites you to reflect on the broader social context of labor and craftsmanship in Legros' time.