Artwork
Au fil de la marne
Au fil de la marne is a graphite drawing by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:"forain / juin 1918" lower right margin, graphite, artist's hand. "au fil de la marne," lower center margin, graphite, artist's hand. ""L'offensive" est dan l'eau. "Il parait que c'etait vou lu."" lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand. "A. 2309" 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
Overview
Au fil de la marne is a 1918 drawing by Jean-Louis Forain, a French artist known for his work in various mediums. The drawing is executed in red chalk, black crayon, and graphite on wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts two horses entangled in ropes, lying on the ground beside the Marne River. The horses appear tired, suggesting they have been working. The simple, uncluttered composition focuses attention on the horses.
Technique & Style
Forain's use of red chalk, black crayon, and graphite creates a loose, sketchy effect. The lines are quick and expressive, conveying a sense of haste. The empty background and limited detail emphasize the horses, achieved through Forain's restrained use of medium.
History & Provenance
The drawing is now held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
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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.
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