Le Christ portant sa croix (4e planche) (Christ Carrying the Cross) (fourth plate)

Forain employed drypoint to scratch directly into the copper plate, creating rich, fuzzy lines that hold ink unevenly, and etching to define broader forms. The resulting texture is coarse and gestural, with smudged areas and abrupt strokes that convey motion and urgency. The lack of refinement mimics a rapid sketch, prioritizing emotional immediacy over technical polish, characteristic of his printmaking approach in later years.

This print is the fourth in a series of religious scenes Forain produced around 1910, during a period when he increasingly turned to printmaking. Though widely exhibited in his lifetime, the series received less attention than his satirical works. The print survives in limited numbers, primarily in institutional collections, with no known private ownership history before the 20th century.

In early 20th-century France, religious imagery was often sidelined in favor of modernist and secular themes. Forain’s engagement with biblical subjects was unusual among his Impressionist peers, yet his treatment avoided traditional iconography. His approach aligned with broader artistic trends favoring personal expression over institutional narratives, reflecting a quiet rebellion against academic religious art.

Though Forain’s reputation faded after his death, this print remains a testament to his technical versatility and willingness to explore somber themes outside his usual social commentary. It stands as an example of how early modern printmakers reimagined sacred subjects through intimate, unvarnished techniques, influencing later generations interested in expressive line and emotional economy.