La legende du bonhomme misere: La mort dans le poirier (The Legend of Goodman Misery: Death in the Pear Tree)
ca. 1869-1875
19th century
8 5/8 in. x 7 3/8 in. (21.91 cm x 18.73 cm)
Alphonse Legros,
French, British,
(1837–1911)
Object Type:
Prints
Creation Place:
Europe, France/England
Medium and Support:
Etching on paper
Credit Line:
Carleton College Art Collection
Accession Number:
1998.055
The legend of the Bonhomme Misère is a French folk tale. The only valuable possesion of the peasant, Misère, is a pear tree. He gives lodging one night to two mysterious travelers, Peter and Paul. In return for his hospitality, the strangers grant a gift of enchantment; whomever climbs into the pear tree will be stuck. When Death approaches, the old man talks him into the tree, where Death is forced to stay. Thus Misère (misery or poverty) remains forever among the living.