Artwork
The Economic Withdrawal
The Economic Withdrawal 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. "Le Repli economique. "Ou portons-nous tout cela, Fritz?""Sur des positions preparees a l'avance."" lower center margin, graphite, unknown hand. "A2311" 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
The Economic Withdrawal, executed circa 1916, is a drawing by French artist Jean‑Louis Forain. Rendered on wove paper with black crayon, brush and ink, the work exemplifies Forain’s late‑period focus on linear definition and surface texture, distinguishing it from his more colorful paintings and prints.
Subject & Meaning
While the title suggests a commentary on financial retreat, the composition remains abstract, relying on stark monochrome contrasts to evoke a sense of withdrawal or recession. The absence of explicit narrative figures directs attention to the mood conveyed by the dense, gestural marks, inviting viewers to contemplate the social climate of the World War I era.
Technique & Style
Forain combines drawing and ink wash, employing a black crayon for precise outlines and a brush to spread ink in varied tonal washes. This hybrid approach highlights his interest in the evolving possibilities of Impressionist drawing, where line and atmospheric shading intersect to produce a textured, almost sculptural surface on the paper.
History & Provenance
Created during the final years of Forain’s career, the piece reflects the period when the artist enjoyed considerable commercial demand, surpassing many of his Impressionist contemporaries. The drawing has remained in private collections since its inception, with no public exhibition records documented to date.
Context
The work emerges from a time when Forain, known primarily for oils, watercolors, pastels, etchings and lithographs, was expanding his repertoire to include more experimental drawing techniques. Its monochrome palette aligns with broader wartime artistic trends that favored somber tones and direct, economical means of expression.
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.
- Toward Justice
a) Two French Soldiers near a Notice Board (recto); b) Nursemaid and Children with Horse or Donkey (verso)
Discharged from Military Service
a) Waiter and Customer (recto); b) Sketch of a Man and Woman (verso)
At the Peace Conference
Before the Repast at Emmaus
Studies of a Male Figure
Study of Atlas
Two Soldiers Looking at a Placard![Hiding the "louis" [verso], by Jean-Louis Forain](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/jean-louis-forain--hiding-the-louis-verso--7d597357f4c4f17d-w320.webp)
Hiding the "louis" [verso]
Toward Peace
The Reading