The Manger (La creche) 

"The Manger" is a drawing by the French artist Alphonse Legros, depicting a scene of the nativity. In the foreground, two figures, likely Mary and a woman, kneel before a simple manger holding the infant Jesus. Legros, known for his realism and often depicting religious scenes, utilizes hatching and cross-hatching techniques to create a somber and reverent atmosphere. The viewer is left to ponder the intimate moment of adoration through a dark palette that evokes the solemnity of the event. The absence of a precise date for the artwork suggests its creation likely falls within Legros' productive career, spanning from 1837 until his death in 1911. This work demonstrates the artist's ability to translate complex religious narratives into deeply personal and evocative art.