Artwork
A Versailles juillet 1919
A Versailles juillet 1919 is an ink drawing by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:"forain" lower right margin, graphite, artist's hand. Not dated. "a Versailles juillet 1919" lower center margin, graphite, artist's hand. "La Douloureuse. "Il se trompait: Elle est fraiche, mais pas joyeuse." lower margin, graphite, unknown hand. "A 2359" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. Verso: none.
- Markings
- Marked:"LRJ" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1760b). "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1932d).
About this work
This painting shows a scene of people at Versailles in July 1919. It's drawn with black ink and crayon on paper. The scene is simple, with figures and trees.
The artist used bold lines to draw the scene. The painting is interesting because it shows a moment in time. It's a quick sketch of people at Versailles. To learn more about this style, look up the technique: cross-hatching.
Overview
A Versailles juillet 1919 is a drawing created by French artist Jean-Louis Forain around 1919 on wove paper, utilizing brush and black ink alongside black crayon. The piece captures a summer scene at Versailles during the post-World War I era.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a everyday moment at Versailles in July 1919, showcasing people among trees. It serves as a snapshot of the immediate post-war period, reflecting the artist's observation of ordinary life resuming.
Technique & Style
Forain employed bold lines and combined media (brush, ink, and crayon) to achieve depth and texture. Although associated with Impressionism, this work's simplicity and linearity suggest a more direct, possibly rapid, observational approach.
History & Provenance
Created in 1919, the work reflects Forain's diverse artistic practice beyond oils and printmaking. His reputation, strong during his lifetime, later waned in comparison to some Impressionist peers.
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Artist & collection
Artist
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.
