Artwork
a) C'est trop dangereux pres de votre ambulance (recto); b) Study of Mother and Children (verso)
a) C'est trop dangereux pres de votre ambulance (recto); b) Study of Mother and Children (verso) is an ink drawing by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This double-sided drawing by Jean-Louis Forain, created circa 1916, features two distinct works: 'C'est trop dangereux près de votre ambulance' on the recto and 'Study of Mother and Children' on the verso, executed in different mediums on wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The recto illustrates a scene of activity around an ambulance, conveying a sense of urgency or caution, as implied by the title's warning. In contrast, the verso presents a serene study of a mother with children, highlighting domestic intimacy.
Technique & Style
Forain employed contrasting techniques for each side: the recto combines brush, black ink, black crayon, and watercolor, while the verso is a simpler black crayon drawing. These choices reflect Forain's versatility across mediums, characteristic of his Impressionist background.
History & Provenance
Created around 1916, during a period of Forain's established success, surpassing many of his Impressionist contemporaries in acclaim. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
Emerging from Forain's prolific output in various media (oils, watercolor, pastel, etching, lithography), this work demonstrates his adaptability. The ambulance scene may allude to World War I's influence on French life, though this is not explicitly confirmed.
Legacy
As part of Forain's diverse oeuvre, this double-sided drawing contributes to his recognized contributions across multiple artistic media, though its individual impact within his body of work is not highlighted.
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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