Artwork
a) Les Allemandes sont partis (recto); b) Sketch of a Man (verso)
a) Les Allemandes sont partis (recto); b) Sketch of a Man (verso) is a watercolor 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: *Les Allemandes sont partis* (recto) in black crayon and watercolor, and *Sketch of a Man* (verso) in black crayon, both on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The recto, *Les Allemandes sont partis*, subtly alludes to a World War I context through its title, depicting a poised woman near a draped, ambiguous form, set against a vague, sketchy backdrop of possibly trees or buildings in muted tones. The verso presents a straightforward figure study of a man.
Technique & Style
Forain employed black crayon for line work on both sides, adding watercolor to the recto for muted, blended color effects characteristic of the medium. The sketchy, unfinished background on the recto suggests a rapid or preliminary approach.
History & Provenance
Created around 1916, during World War I, the work reflects Forain's versatility across mediums. Despite his commercial success during his lifetime, Forain's recognition has waned compared to some contemporaries.
Context
The piece's World War I allusion places it within the broader context of French artistic responses to the conflict. The simple, muted execution may underscore the somber mood of the era.
Legacy
While Forain was commercially successful in his time, his overall legacy has faded somewhat, making works like this a glimpse into the output of a once-prominent Impressionist figure now less prominently recognized.
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.
