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Artwork

a) Le baiser du drapeau (recto); b) Study of Le baiser du drapeau (verso)

Jean-Louis Forain , 1918

a) Le baiser du drapeau (recto); b) Study of Le baiser du drapeau (verso), by Jean-Louis Forain, crayon, 1918
a) Le baiser du drapeau (recto); b) Study of Le baiser du drapeau (verso), by Jean-Louis Forain, crayon, 1918

a) Le baiser du drapeau (recto); b) Study of Le baiser du drapeau (verso) is a crayon drawing by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:"forain / x [illeg.] 1918" lower right margin, graphite, artist's hand. "OIREE MENNEE PAR / LE MARECHAL PETAIN / AUX/ MESSINS / ET / A SES SOLDATS" center composition, black crayon, artist's hand. "Le baiser au drapeau" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. "A 2349" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. "Le baiser au drapeau" verso, lower right sheet, graphite, unknown hand.
Markings
Marked:"LRJ" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1760b). "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1932d).

About this work

Overview

Le baiser du drapeau is a dual-sided drawing by Jean-Louis Forain, created in 1918. The recto and verso feature a composition of two soldiers interacting with a flag, executed in bold, scratchy black crayon on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a poignant moment of two soldiers: one grasping the flagpole firmly, the other pressing his face against the flag, conveying intense emotional connection or reverence. This motif reflects Forain's World War I-era focus on military themes.

Technique & Style

Characterized by quick, rough crayon lines, the sketch prioritizes expressive feeling over detailed rendering, typical of Forain's rapid, emotive drawing style during this period.

History & Provenance

Part of a series by Forain from the same era, this work is dated to 1918. While Forain enjoyed commercial success during his lifetime, his recognition has waned compared to some Impressionist peers.

Context

Created amidst World War I, the piece is contextualized within Forain's broader output of the time, frequently featuring soldiers and flags, reflecting the artist's response to the conflict.

a) Si ils avaient vaincu (recto); b) Sketch of Si ils avaient vaincu (verso)
a) Si ils avaient vaincu (recto); b) Sketch of Si ils avaient vaincu (verso), Jean-Louis Forain

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jean-Louis Forain

Artist

Jean-Louis Forain

Jean-Louis Forain (French pronunciation:; 23 October 1852 – 11 July 1931) was a French Impressionist painter and printmaker, working in media including oils, watercolour, pastel, etching and lithograph.

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of National Gallery of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted a) Le baiser du drapeau (recto); b) Study of Le baiser du drapeau (verso)?

a) Le baiser du drapeau (recto); b) Study of Le baiser du drapeau (verso) was painted by Jean-Louis Forain in 1918.

Where can I see a) Le baiser du drapeau (recto); b) Study of Le baiser du drapeau (verso)?

a) Le baiser du drapeau (recto); b) Study of Le baiser du drapeau (verso) is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of a) Le baiser du drapeau (recto); b) Study of Le baiser du drapeau (verso)?

Museum-quality prints of a) Le baiser du drapeau (recto); b) Study of Le baiser du drapeau (verso) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.