Lourdes, la miraculée (1ère planche) (Lourdes, the Miracle) (first plate)

Forain combines traditional etching with drypoint, allowing him to render both fine, precise lines and the richer, velvety burr of drypoint strokes. The resulting surface is marked by quick, almost scribbled contours that convey movement in the crowd while preserving the central figure’s clarity, a hallmark of his sketch‑like approach.

Created during the later phase of Forain’s career, the print reflects his continued experimentation with printmaking after achieving notable success in painting and illustration. While specific ownership records are limited, the work is catalogued among Forain’s 1910s prints that document contemporary French religious and social scenes.

The image was produced at a time when Lourdes had become a focal point for both genuine belief and popular fascination. Forain, known for his observational eye on Parisian life, turned his attention to this pilgrimage site, offering a secular artist’s perspective on a deeply spiritual phenomenon.