Artwork
L'avocat pourchassé (The Lawyer Pursued)
L'avocat pourchassé (The Lawyer Pursued) is an ink print by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1915 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1915, *L’avocat pourchassé* is a lithographic print on laid paper by French artist Jean‑Louis Forain.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1915, *L’avocat pourchassé* is a lithographic print on laid paper by French artist Jean‑Louis Forain. Known for his versatility across oil, watercolor, pastel, etching and lithography, Forain produced this work during the later phase of his career, when his reputation in contemporary circles surpassed that of many of his Impressionist colleagues.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures a frantic chase: a man in a long coat and hat darts forward, arms outstretched, while a second figure in a cap pursues him, his expression strained. The blurred faces and hurried gestures convey a sense of urgency and disorder, suggesting a commentary on the pressures of modern urban life or the precarious position of a professional under pursuit.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithography, the print employs loose, sketch‑like lines that emphasize motion. The artist’s use of rapid, gestural strokes and minimal detail creates a dynamic composition, while the laid‑paper surface adds a subtle texture that reinforces the work’s spontaneous, almost sketchbook quality.
History & Provenance
Forain, who achieved notable contemporary acclaim, produced *L’avocat pourchassé* amid the social turbulence of the early twentieth century. Though specific ownership records are scarce, the print forms part of Forain’s broader oeuvre of socially engaged prints that documented everyday scenes with a critical eye.
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.
