Artwork
Maison close (planche refusée) (Bordello) (refused plate)
Maison close (planche refusée) (Bordello) (refused plate) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Maison close (planche refusée) is an etching on wove paper created by Jean-Louis Forain in 1880. The print depicts a scene in a dimly lit room, likely associated with a brothel.
Subject & Meaning
The etching shows three people in an intimate setting, with one woman leaning in close to another who sits with her head down, while a third person lounges nearby. The scene is suggestive of the artist's frequent focus on social and urban life.
Technique & Style
Forain employed the etching technique, scratching lines into a metal plate to create the image. The lines are loose and quick, giving the impression of a hurried sketch.
History & Provenance
The print was initially intended for inclusion in a book but was ultimately rejected, earning it the designation 'refused plate'.
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.
Le Cafe
Au restaurant (At the Restaurant)
Cafe Scene (descriptive)
Le café de la Nouvelle Athènes (The Cafe of the New Athens)
C'est fini!...(grande planche) (It is Finished!...) (large plate)
At the Restaurant
The Café of the New Athens
A Luncheon Party
A la table de jeu (1ère planche) (At the Gambling Table) (first plate)