Alphonse Legros (Dijon 1837-1911 Watford)

Legros moved from France to London in 1863 where he found success as an etcher, sculptor and painter. In 1876 became Professor of Fine Art at the Slade School. With artists such as William Holman Hunt, Legros was part of a revival of the silverpoint technique which allowed for a clarity of line evident in this striking portrait. Several other silverpoint drawings by Legros are held in the National Portrait Gallery, London.