Artwork

Un caboulet à montmartre (A Dive at Montmartre)

Un caboulet à montmartre (A Dive at Montmartre), by Jean-Louis Forain, ink, 1909
Un caboulet à montmartre (A Dive at Montmartre), by Jean-Louis Forain, ink, 1909

Un caboulet à montmartre (A Dive at Montmartre) is an ink print by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:"forain" lower right margin, graphite, artist's hand. Not dated. "2eme etat" lower left margin, graphite, artist's 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

Un caboulet à Montmartre (A Dive at Montmartre) is an etching on laid Van Gelder paper created by Jean-Louis Forain in 1909. The work is a representative example of Forain's printmaking output, showcasing his ability to capture a scene with expressive lines.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a dimly lit interior scene from Montmartre, a Parisian district known for its bohemian culture and nightlife. Three women are shown in various poses, illuminated by candlelight, suggesting a moment of quiet intimacy or revelry.

Technique & Style

Forain employed etching to create the work, using rough, uneven lines to convey a sense of urgency and life. The loose, tangled strokes in the background suggest movement and shadows, while the candlelight adds a soft glow to the scene, making the figures stand out.

Le café de la Nouvelle Athènes (The Cafe of the New Athens)
Le café de la Nouvelle Athènes (The Cafe of the New Athens), Jean-Louis Forain

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jean-Louis Forain

Artist

Jean-Louis Forain

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Un caboulet à montmartre (A Dive at Montmartre)?

Un caboulet à montmartre (A Dive at Montmartre) was painted by Jean-Louis Forain in 1909.

Where can I see Un caboulet à montmartre (A Dive at Montmartre)?

Un caboulet à montmartre (A Dive at Montmartre) is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of Un caboulet à montmartre (A Dive at Montmartre)?

Museum-quality prints of Un caboulet à montmartre (A Dive at Montmartre) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.