Artwork
Avant le repas à Emmaus (1ère planche) (Before the Supper at Emmaus) (first plate)
Avant le repas à Emmaus (1ère planche) (Before the Supper at Emmaus) (first plate) is an ink print by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:"forain" lower right margin, graphite, artist's hand. Not dated. "1er etat" lower left margin, graphite, artist's hand. "G. 95 I Avant le repas à Emmaus" verso, lower center sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "19842" 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
Avant le repas à Emmaus (1ère planche) is an etching on laid Van Gelder paper created by Jean-Louis Forain in 1910. It is a print that showcases Forain's skill as a versatile graphic artist.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a quiet indoor scene with five figures, referencing the biblical story of the disciples recognizing Christ after his resurrection at Emmaus. The scene is set before the meal, capturing a moment of calm interaction among the figures.
Technique & Style
Forain employed a scratchy, textured style in the etching, likely achieved by directly carving into the metal plate. This technique results in uneven, handwritten-like lines that convey a sense of simplicity and spontaneity.
Context
As a French Impressionist painter and printmaker, Forain's work, including this etching, reflects his broader practice within the Impressionist movement. He was known for his versatility in various mediums, including oils, watercolor, pastel, etching, and lithography.
Own this work as a print
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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