Artwork

Courtesan (recto)

Courtesan (recto), by Jean-Louis Forain, 1906
Courtesan (recto), by Jean-Louis Forain, 1906

Courtesan (recto) is a drawing by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1906 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Courtesan is a 1906 drawing by Jean Louis Forain, held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1955.655.a

About this work

Overview

Courtesan is a 1906 drawing by Jean Louis Forain, held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a nude woman, possibly a courtesan, shown from the waist up with her body turned to the right. Her face is blurred, with undefined features. The subject's hairstyle is styled in an updo.

Technique & Style

The work is characterized by a loose, expressive style with visible brushstrokes and a muted color palette, creating a soft and subtle effect. Forain's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that contrasts light and dark, adds volume and depth to the figure.

Courtesan (recto) Figure Sketches (verso)
Courtesan (recto) Figure Sketches (verso), 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: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Courtesan (recto)?

Courtesan (recto) was painted by Jean-Louis Forain in 1906.

Where can I see Courtesan (recto)?

Courtesan (recto) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Can I buy a print of Courtesan (recto)?

Museum-quality prints of Courtesan (recto) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.