Account Book (Le livre de comptes) 

"Account Book (Le livre de comptes)" is a powerful etching by French artist Alphonse Legros (1837-1911). The print depicts a man and a woman, likely a couple, bent over an open book. The man's face is etched in deep detail, emphasizing his furrowed brow and stern expression. The woman's face, in contrast, is obscured by shadow, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation. The cross-hatching lines used by Legros create a sense of depth and texture, drawing the viewer into the intimate scene of a couple engrossed in their work. The subject of the book, likely accounts, hints at the economic realities of the time. This piece exemplifies Legros's signature style - realism with a touch of social commentary.