Artwork
a) Au congres de la Paix (recto); b) Untitled (verso)
a) Au congres de la Paix (recto); b) Untitled (verso) 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. "Au congrès de la Paix. Dites lever, que c'est la Dame de Verdun." lower center margin, graphite, artist's hand. "Au Quai d'Orsay" lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand. "Au General de Castleman" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. "A2336" 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
This double-sided drawing, created around 1919 by French artist Jean-Louis Forain, features two distinct works on wove paper: 'Au congres de la Paix' on the recto and an untitled graphite sketch on the verso.
Subject & Meaning
The recto, 'Au congres de la Paix', depicts a scene related to the Congress of Peace, showing two people in a simple room, one hunched over in contemplation, the other standing nearby.
Technique & Style
Both drawings exhibit a loose, sketchy style, with the recto featuring brush and brown ink over graphite, and the verso done in graphite alone, suggesting quick studies rather than finished works.
History & Provenance
Forain, known for his work in various mediums including oils, watercolor, and printmaking, was a French Impressionist painter and printmaker who achieved significant contemporary success.
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.
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