Remembrance of Italy (Souvenir d'Italie) 

Alphonse Legros made this etching, Remembrance of Italy, at some point during his career. The image recalls an earlier artistic tradition, that of the picturesque landscape, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. With its dark, moody atmosphere and dramatic composition, the image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The etching shows a romanticized view of the Italian countryside with its ancient ruins and overgrown vegetation. This recalls the idea of the “sublime,” that is, the sense of awe and terror one might feel in the face of nature’s power. The reference to Italy also alludes to the Grand Tour, a traditional rite of passage for wealthy Europeans who visited the country to study its art and culture. By delving into Legros’ biography and the cultural history of his time, we can better understand the social conditions that shaped his artistic production. We must always remember that the meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.