Artwork

Elles étaient à lacets

Elles étaient à lacets, by Jean-Louis Forain, watercolor, 1916
Elles étaient à lacets, by Jean-Louis Forain, watercolor, 1916

Elles étaient à lacets 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

Elles étaient à lacets is a drawing created by Jean-Louis Forain around 1916, executed in watercolor and black crayon on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a serene street scene with three figures: two reclining on the ground, wrapped in blankets, and one standing against a fence with a blurred face. The scene conveys a sense of quiet repose.

Technique & Style

Forain's loose, sketchy lines and muted color palette, dominated by browns and grays, create a sense of spontaneity and informality. The use of watercolor and black crayon adds to the work's expressive, rough-hewn quality.

Context

Forain was a French artist associated with the Impressionist movement, although his work maintained a distinct character. He worked in various mediums, including watercolor, and achieved significant success during his lifetime.

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.