The Gardener (Le jardinier) 

"The Gardener (Le Jardinier)" is an etching by Alphonse Legros, a French-born artist known for his realist style. The image depicts a solitary figure, likely a farmer or gardener, in a wooded landscape. The man, clad in simple attire, stands with a rake in his hand, his gaze focused on the viewer. The scene is bathed in a warm, radiant light, suggesting the soft glow of dawn or dusk. Legros's meticulous technique creates a sense of depth and texture, highlighting the rough bark of the trees and the furrowed lines on the man's face. This powerful work, typical of Legros's oeuvre, captures the dignity and resilience of the working class.