Artwork

Sur la ligne de feu

Sur la ligne de feu, by Jean-Louis Forain, ink, 1916
Sur la ligne de feu, by Jean-Louis Forain, ink, 1916

Sur la ligne de feu 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

Sur la ligne de feu is a drawing created by Jean-Louis Forain around 1916, executed in black crayon and ink on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a chaotic scene with people and horses, conveying a sense of urgency and action, likely referencing the events of World War I.

Technique & Style

Forain employed bold lines and minimal shading, using black crayon with brush and black ink to achieve a dynamic, quickly sketched effect.

History & Provenance

Forain, a French artist associated with Impressionism, was active in various mediums and enjoyed relative success during his lifetime, though his reputation later diminished.

Context

The drawing reflects Forain's engagement with contemporary subjects, specifically the turmoil of World War I.

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.