Artwork
La friction au gant de crin (planche au lavis et au trait) (The Massage with Coarse Hair Glove) (Wash and Line plate)
La friction au gant de crin (planche au lavis et au trait) (The Massage with Coarse Hair Glove) (Wash and Line plate) is a print by the Impressionist artist Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
La friction au gant de crin is a 1895 print by Jean-Louis Forain, a French artist known for his work in various mediums. The lithotint in brown on wove paper showcases Forain's skill with the technique.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a nude woman standing with her back to the viewer, her arms raised and head tilted. The scene is set in an intimate, warmly lit space, with a wooden table and indistinct objects in the background.
Technique & Style
Forain employed wash and line techniques to render the scene, using chiaroscuro to create depth and dimensionality. The realistic style emphasizes the contours and curves of the woman's figure.
History & Provenance
Created in 1895, the print reflects Forain's contemporary success as an Impressionist painter and printmaker, although his reputation has waxed and waned over time.
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.
La friction au gant de crin (Massage with Coarse Hair Glove)
La friction au gant de crin (Massage with Coarse Hair Glove)
Woman Washing Herself (Femme qui se lave)
Femme nue, s'essuyant les pieds (planche en hauteur) (Nude Woman Drying Her Feet) (vertical plate)
Caresses
Scène de cabinet particulier (planche en largeur au lavis) (Scene in a Private Room) (horizontal plate with wash)