Alphonse Legros (1837-1911)

Painter and etcher, was born at Dijon, France. He studied firstly at his local art school and was apprenticed to Maître Nicolardo a house decorator and painter. In 1851 Legros left for Paris to take another situation, but passing through Lyon he worked for six months as journeyman wall-painter under the decorator Beuchot, who was painting the chapel of Cardinal Bonald in the cathedral. Arriving in Paris he studied Cambon a theatrical scene painter and simultaneously attended the drawing-school of Lecoq de Boisbaudran. In 1855 Legros attended the evening classes at the École des Beaux-Arts. Legros migrated to England in 1863 and in 1864 married Miss Frances Rosetta Hodgson. At first he lived by his etching and teaching. He then became teacher of etching at the South Kensington Schools, and in 1876 Slade Professor at University College, London. His work was exhibited at the Paris Salon, with the Society of Twelve and at the RA and RE.