Bank of a River 

Alphonse Legros made this print, "Bank of a River," using etching, a medium that allowed for detailed lines and tonal variety. Legros, who was born in France but later became a British citizen, produced this landscape that reflects his interest in rural life and the working class. This image invites us to contemplate the relationship between humanity and nature, which was a frequent theme during a period of increasing industrialization and urbanization. The figures on the left bank may represent agricultural workers, which were a population often romanticized, yet simultaneously marginalized, during this time. Legros depicts them as an integrated part of the landscape, which lends a dignity to their existence, suggesting that rural life and labor have inherent value. The scene is quiet and contemplative; the soft, muted tones of the etching contribute to this. In viewing the artwork, we are reminded of our connection to the natural world, as well as the often-unseen labor that sustains us.