Artwork

Figures in a Landscape (verso)

Figures in a Landscape (verso), by Jean-Louis Forain, 1919
Figures in a Landscape (verso), by Jean-Louis Forain, 1919

Figures in a Landscape (verso) is a drawing by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Figures in a Landscape (verso) is a pencil sketch on yellowed paper, created by Jean Louis Forain around 1919. It is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch centrally features two figures, one leaning on the other, conveyed in a minimalist and rough manner. The empty background and faint auxiliary lines suggest it may have been a preparatory study for a more developed work.

Technique & Style

Forain employed expressive, unfinished lines, prioritizing the capture of the scene's essence over detailed realism. This approach emphasizes spontaneity and conceptual exploration.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1919, the work is now held in the permanent collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.

Context

While the sketch stands alone, understanding its place within Forain's broader oeuvre, including the exploration of impasto in other works, can offer deeper insight into his artistic explorations during this period.

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: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.