Artwork

L'attaque d'une "place forte" anglaise

L'attaque d'une "place forte" anglaise, by Jean-Louis Forain, ink, 1917
L'attaque d'une "place forte" anglaise, by Jean-Louis Forain, ink, 1917

L'attaque d'une "place forte" anglaise is an ink drawing by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

L'attaque d'une 'place forte' anglaise is a drawing created by Jean-Louis Forain around 1917. It is executed in brush and black ink and black crayon on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a chaotic scene with three figures in distress. A woman on the left stands with her arms raised, while another woman in the center lies on the ground with her arms also raised. A third figure is prone beside her. The scene suggests a violent or traumatic event.

Technique & Style

Forain's use of bold lines and dark shading creates a sense of drama and tension. The expressive and emotive drawing style is characteristic of his work, reflecting his skill in capturing intense moments.

Context

The drawing is associated with Forain's engagement with contemporary themes during World War I, rendered in a style linked to the Impressionist movement.

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.