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.
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.
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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