Artwork
Hiding the "louis"
Hiding the "louis" is an ink drawing by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:"forain" lower right margin, graphite, artist's hand. Not dated. "Simple Constat. "Cachottiere! on piétine les "louis" dans ta cave."" lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand. "A 2278" lower right margin, 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
Hiding the 'louis' is a drawing created by French artist Jean-Louis Forain around 1916. Executed in brush and black ink and black crayon on laid Van Gelder paper, this work exemplifies Forain's versatility across multiple mediums, characteristic of his Impressionist practice.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of 'Hiding the louis' remains unspecified, leaving interpretation open. The simplicity of the composition, achieved through minimal lines and shapes, suggests a focus on capturing a moment or gesture rather than detailed representation.
Technique & Style
Forain employed loose, expressive lines and the contrast of brush and crayon marks to imbue the drawing with a sense of dynamic energy. This approach is consistent with his graphic works from the period, emphasizing spontaneity and movement.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1916, 'Hiding the louis' reflects Forain's ongoing engagement with Impressionist principles during this time. Despite his contemporary success, Forain's reputation has somewhat faded in comparison to some of his peers.
Context
This work should be viewed within the broader context of Forain's prolific output across mediums (oil, watercolour, pastel, etching, lithography) and the evolving Impressionist movement in early 20th-century France.
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.
