Path through the Woods (Sentier sous bois) 

Alphonse Legros made this etching, "Path through the Woods," using dark lines to create a dense forest scene. Born in France, Legros later became a British citizen, and was associated with the etching revival in Britain in the late 19th century. Think about the social context of this revival: at this time, industrialization was proceeding apace, creating pollution in cities, and many sought refuge in rural settings. Artists interested in landscape reflected this turn to nature, but also an increased awareness of the fragility of the environment. Legros’s image evokes a sense of the sublime: the viewer is dwarfed by the imposing trees. He was also Professor of Fine Art at the Slade School of Art, and so he was influential in shaping the next generation of British artists. To understand this image, you could research the history of printmaking in Britain, and its relationship to the art market. Analyzing this etching through an understanding of the socio-political context gives a greater insight into its cultural meaning.