Read the visual description
This is a drawing of an abstract scene with a central figure in a robe-like garment and loosely sketched background elements. The image is rendered with broad strokes and minimal details, hinting at architectural forms in the background. The central figure appears engaged in activity, suggested by their posture. The drawing uses a subdued color palette, implying movement and interaction within the composition.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
a) C'etait notre maison (recto); b) Refugees in a Landscape (verso)
Jean-Louis Forain
- Date
- c. 1914/1919
- Medium
- a) black crayon, watercolor, and white opaque watercolor on wove paper b) brush and black ink and black crayon on wove paper
- Dimensions
- overall: 37.1 x 53 cm (14 5/8 x 20 7/8 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 1943.3.4020.a-b
- Credit line
- Rosenwald Collection
- Time span
- 1901 to 1925
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- French
- Impressionist
- World War I
- military
Provenance
Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], Jenkintown, PA; gift to NGA, 1943.
Inscription
"forain" lower right margin, graphite, artist's hand. Not dated. "C'etait notre maison" lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand. "A2287" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. "forain" verso, lower right sheet, graphite, artist's hand.
Marks
"LRJ" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1760b). "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1932d).
Watermarks
None.
NGA object ID 7138. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.