Artwork

Marshal Petain

Marshal Petain, by Jean-Louis Forain, ink, 1916
Marshal Petain, by Jean-Louis Forain, ink, 1916

Marshal Petain is an ink drawing by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This drawing is a portrait of Marshal Petain, created by Jean-Louis Forain around 1916. It is executed in watercolor and pen and black ink on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Marshal Petain, a French military leader, in a simple setting, wearing a uniform and conveying a serious expression. The straightforward representation captures the subject's likeness.

Technique & Style

Forain's use of bold lines and simple colors gives the portrait a sketch-like quality, suggesting a quick and informal execution. The artist's choice of medium and technique contributes to the work's direct and unadorned character.

Context

Jean-Louis Forain was a French artist known for his work in various mediums, including watercolor and printmaking. This drawing reflects his ability to capture a subject's essence through simple, expressive means.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jean-Louis Forain

Artist

Jean-Louis Forain

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.