270x180mm. Framed etching of Edward John Poynter (1863-1919), depicting the sitter poised and pensive. Signed in pencil by Alfonse Legros to the bottom left. From the estate of the late Professor Alastair Fowler CBE. With one small spot to the right-hand side, this is a very near fine production. Legros' portrait of fellow artist Poynter was published in the art periodical "The Portfolio," in January 1877. The publication and its editor, Philip Gilbert Hamerton (1834 1894), actively promoted printmaking, especially etching. Poynter was the first Slade Professor of Fine Art at University College London from 1871 to 1875. Legros succeeded him as Slade Professor on his direct recommendation and became one of the art school's most influential instructors, teaching there for over fifteen years. Poynter himself later had a number of administrative roles including president of the Royal Academy of Arts and director of the National Gallery, London . (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) This etching holds an interesting story of one master succeeding another as Slade Professor of Fine Art, a very prestigious post.