La sortie de l'audience (1ère planche) (Coming Out of the Hearing) (first plate)

Forain employed drypoint on the copper plate, incising lines directly into the metal to produce the characteristic sharp, ragged edges visible in the print. This method, combined with the etching process, yields a textured surface that emphasizes movement and the clamor of the crowd, while the rough line work reinforces the chaotic atmosphere.

Created during the later phase of Forain’s career, the print reflects his continued engagement with printmaking alongside painting and drawing. Though Forain enjoyed considerable recognition in his lifetime, his reputation has waned since, and this work exemplifies his skill in capturing contemporary urban life through graphic media.

The early twentieth‑century French art scene saw many Impressionist and post‑Impressionist artists turning to print media to document modern life. Forain’s focus on public gatherings and legal settings aligns with his broader interest in social observation, a theme common among his peers who explored the intersection of the individual and institutional spaces.