Artwork

A Versailles. L'envoye des boches

A Versailles.  L'envoye des boches, by Jean-Louis Forain, ink, 1916
A Versailles.  L'envoye des boches, by Jean-Louis Forain, ink, 1916

A Versailles. L'envoye des boches is an ink drawing by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. A Versailles.

About this work

Overview

A Versailles. L'envoye des boches is a drawing by Jean-Louis Forain, created around 1916 on wove paper using black crayon, brush, black ink, and graphite. The work captures a moment in Versailles during World War I, reflecting Forain's propensity for engaging with contemporary themes.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman typing at a desk with her back to the viewer, while a man lies on a couch behind her, arm raised. Wall-mounted sketches of a soldier’s helmet and the title's reference to a 'boche' (a derogatory term for Germans) suggest the typed letter may be a wartime communication, imbuing the scene with tension.

Technique & Style

Forain's graphic and illustrative style is well-suited to the mixed media used. Characteristic rough lines and quick strokes convey a sense of urgency, akin to a snapshot of a tense moment. The drawing also features cross-hatching, a technique where layered lines create shading.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1916, the drawing is a product of Forain's later work. While specific provenance details are not provided, it is known that Forain achieved notable commercial success during his lifetime compared to some of his Impressionist contemporaries.

Context

A Versailles. L'envoye des boches situates Forain's work within the broader context of World War I and the Impressionist movement's evolution. It highlights how artists responded to wartime themes in their work.

Legacy

This drawing contributes to Forain's legacy as an artist who effectively utilized various mediums to capture the essence of contemporary life, including the tumult of war. It remains a testament to his ability to convey complex moments through simple, expressive lines.

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: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.