Striking self portrait of Alphonse Legros, at 57 years old. Inspired by Rembrandt, as many 19th century etchers, Legros produced an ensemble of self-portraits, showing his features evolving with age. At the time of this portrait, the artist just retired from his Professor position at University College in London. Close friend of Whistler, Legros moved to London in 1863 and became an active member of the London art scene. Close to the Pre Raphaelites, he was fascinated by Leonardo Da Vinci. We can see in this portrait how Legros identified himself with the Renaissance master.

Monogram stamp affixed by the artist’s son Lucien on unsigned proofs left in his father’s estate or on proofs subsequently pulled, never exceeding the edition size dictated by the artist, after which the plates were destroyed.