Artwork

On sonne! Si c'est l'Anglais d'hier maman tu t'en iras!

On sonne! Si c'est l'Anglais d'hier maman tu t'en iras!, by Jean-Louis Forain, graphite, 1892
On sonne! Si c'est l'Anglais d'hier maman tu t'en iras!, by Jean-Louis Forain, graphite, 1892

On sonne! Si c'est l'Anglais d'hier maman tu t'en iras! is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. On sonne!

About this work

The painting is called On sonne! Si c'est l'Anglais d'hier maman tu t'en iras! by Jean-Louis Forain.
It's from the late 19th century, a time when artists were exploring new ways to depict everyday life. Forain was active during this period, from 1885 to 1890, and his work reflects the influences of his time.
You can learn more about this style by looking into the movement: Impressionism.

Overview

On sonne! Si c'est l'Anglais d'hier maman tu t'en iras! is a graphite and black crayon drawing on wove paper created by Jean-Louis Forain in 1892. It exemplifies the artist's versatility across mediums beyond his known work in oils, watercolor, etching, and lithography.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing's subject is not explicitly detailed in available information, but its title suggests a domestic or conversational scene, potentially hinting at interactions between characters, possibly referencing a previous encounter ('l'Anglais d'hier') with implications for the figure's departure ('tu t'en iras'). The exact narrative remains ambiguous without further context.

Technique & Style

Forain employs graphite and black crayon, demonstrating an Impressionist inclination through loose, expressive lines and shading, characteristic of the movement's emphasis on capturing fleeting moments and everyday life. The medium choice and technique align with the broader experimentation of late 19th-century Parisian art.

History & Provenance

Created in 1892, during Forain's active period (1885-1890, with this work slightly post-dated), the drawing reflects the artistic explorations of its time. Specific provenance details (ownership history) are not provided.

Context

This work is situated within the late 19th-century Parisian art scene, where Impressionism influenced many artists. Forain's piece contributes to this context by depicting potentially mundane scenarios with Impressionist techniques, though the specific subject's relevance to broader themes of the time is not clearly defined without more information.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this drawing are not provided, it contributes to Forain's overall body of work, showcasing his adaptability with mediums and his contribution to the Impressionist movement's diverse output. Its study can offer insights into the period's artistic experimentation.

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.