1918
crayon
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Lost Illusions is a 1918 crayon by Jean-Louis Forain, depicting World War I, held at National Gallery of Art.
This drawing shows a woman in a dark coat sitting alone on a bench. Her back is straight. One hand holds a closed fan. The paper is cream-colored. Black crayon lines are bold and scratchy. Forain often drew lonely figures in Paris cafés. He knew the city’s nightlife well. This work feels quiet, not dramatic. The woman’s face stays hidden in shadow. Her pose reminds me of Degas’ café scenes. Check out his pastels at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
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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