Who painted Chez l'huissier (At the Bailiff's)?

Chez l'huissier (At the Bailiff's) was painted by Jean-Louis Forain in 1891.

Where can I see Chez l'huissier (At the Bailiff's)?

Chez l'huissier (At the Bailiff's) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Chez l'huissier (At the Bailiff's)?

Chez l'huissier (At the Bailiff's) is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Chez l'huissier (At the Bailiff's)?

Museum-quality prints of Chez l'huissier (At the Bailiff's) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Chez l'huissier (At the Bailiff's)

Jean-Louis Forain , 1891

Chez l'huissier (At the Bailiff's) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created circa 1891, Chez l'huissier is a lithographic print on laid paper by French artist Jean‑Louis Forain (1852‑1931).

Inscription: Inscribed:"forain" lower right composition, in stone, artist's hand. Not dated. "Chez l'Huissier / lj forain" upper left margin, graphite, artist's hand. "4er et." lower right margin, graphite, artist's hand. "G3" lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand. "(EE2502) 1251-" verso, lower center composition, graphite, unknown hand. "Chez l'hussier (G3)" verso, lower right sheet, graphite, unknown hand. "23219" verso, lower right sheet, graphite, unknown hand.
Markings: Marked:(Belfond & Cie stamp) lower left margin, blind stamp, (Lugt 225d). (Marcel Louis Guérin collector's stamp) lower left margin, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1872b). "LRJ" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1760b). "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1932d).

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1891, Chez l'huissier is a lithographic print on laid paper by French artist Jean‑Louis Forain (1852‑1931). The work depicts a cramped interior scene, likely a bailiff’s office, populated by figures in period attire. Its composition is rendered with swift, gestural lines that emphasize atmosphere over precise detail.

Subject & Meaning

The title translates to “At the Bailiff’s,” indicating a waiting room where individuals gather for legal business. Men in top hats and coats occupy the space, some leaning on canes, while others cluster near a counter and a small wall mirror, suggesting a moment of quiet tension and social observation.

Technique & Style

Forain employed lithography, a printmaking process that involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with greasy media before transferring the image onto paper. The use of laid paper adds a subtle texture, and the sketch‑like, loose line work aligns with the Impressionist interest in capturing fleeting impressions and the play of light in interior settings.

History & Provenance

During his lifetime, Forain achieved considerable commercial success, outpacing many of his Impressionist contemporaries. Although his reputation has waned since his death in 1931, Chez l'huissier remains a representative example of his printmaking output and his focus on contemporary urban life.

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Artist & collection

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.