Artwork
Celui qui tira sur Clémenceau
Celui qui tira sur Clémenceau is an ink drawing by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The painting is titled Celui qui tira sur Clémenceau by Jean-Louis Forain.
It was created in or after 1919, and the artist used brush, black ink, and black chalk on laid van gelder paper.
The artist's use of black ink and chalk suggests a focus on bold lines and shading.
You can learn more about the artist's style and other works at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Overview
Celui qui tira sur Clémenceau is a 1919 drawing by Jean-Louis Forain, executed in brush and black ink with black chalk on laid Van Gelder paper. The work captures a pivotal moment in French history, depicting the assassination attempt on statesman Georges Clemenceau.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing specifically illustrates the attempt on Clemenceau's life, reflecting Forain's propensity for engaging with contemporary events through his art. This subject choice highlights his interest in documenting and commenting on the tumultuous political climate of the time.
Technique & Style
Forain's use of brush and black ink, combined with black chalk, emphasizes bold lines and expressive shading. This technique, characteristic of his broader artistic approach, lends the scene a sense of immediacy and drama.
History & Provenance
Created in 1919, the drawing's provenance is not extensively detailed here, though its creation date situates it within the aftermath of World War I, a period of significant political upheaval in France.
Context
While Forain was commercially successful during his lifetime, surpassing many of his Impressionist contemporaries, his posthumous reputation has not endured as strongly as some of his peers within the Impressionist movement.
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.
