The Faggot-Makers c. 1878

Alphonse Legros's etching "The Faggot-Makers" (c. 1878) depicts two figures in a rural setting, one gathering sticks, the other preparing to chop wood. The scene is rendered in a stark, almost minimalist style, characteristic of Legros's Realist aesthetic. The etching, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, highlights the harsh realities of peasant life, focusing on the labor and grit of their daily existence. The artwork's subdued tones and meticulous detail contribute to its somber and poignant quality.