Artwork
Prussian Soldier and Civilians
Prussian Soldier and Civilians is an ink drawing by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:"forain" lower right margin, graphite, artist's hand. Not dated. "S'ils nous avaient vaincus. "Fous afez teux heures pour signer le traité."" lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand. "A 2286" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. Verso: none.
- Markings
- Marked:"LRJ" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1760b). "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1932d).
About this work
Overview
Prussian Soldier and Civilians is a drawing created by French artist Jean-Louis Forain around 1919. Executed in black crayon, brush, and ink on laid Van Gelder paper, this work exemplifies Forain's proficiency across various mediums, including drawing, printmaking, and painting.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing captures an interaction between a Prussian soldier, identifiable by his pointed helmet, and a civilian, depicted in a hunched posture with an obscured face. The contrast between the soldier's upright stance and the civilian's subdued pose may suggest themes of occupation or everyday life under military presence.
Technique & Style
Characterized by quick, loose lines and minimal background detail, the drawing showcases Forain's graphic sensibilities. Subtle shading achieves depth and suggests lighting effects without intricate rendering. The rough yet expressive lines effectively convey the figures' forms and postures.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1919, this work falls within Forain's later period. Notably, Forain achieved greater commercial success during his lifetime compared to many of his Impressionist contemporaries. However, specific provenance details for this piece are not provided.
Context
Emerging after World War I, Prussian Soldier and Civilians may reflect the era's societal and political tensions. Forain's Impressionist background, though more evident in his painterly works, influences the drawing's emphasis on capturing a moment in time.
Legacy
As part of Forain's diverse oeuvre, Prussian Soldier and Civilians contributes to the understanding of his graphic capabilities and his engagement with contemporary themes. Its simplicity and expressive lines resonate with the broader Impressionist emphasis on immediacy and everyday life.
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.
a) Si ils avaient vaincu (recto); b) Sketch of Si ils avaient vaincu (verso)
a) Au front de Vincennes, Bolo pacha (recto); b) Sketch for Au front de Vincennes, Bolo pacha (verso)
a) Waiter and Customer (recto); b) Sketch of a Man and Woman (verso)
If they had been victorious - "You Have Two Hours in which to Sign"
À la conférence (At the Conference)
En 1871
Le Fou