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This is a drawing of a prone figure among foliage and a directional marker. The image features a figure lying face down, partially obscured by dense vegetation. Beside the figure is a column-like object with the words "VERDUN 11 K" inscribed on it. The drawing is rendered in black and white, using expressive lines to create texture and movement. The composition contrasts the solid form of the milestone with the softer, flowing lines of the natural elements around it. The title "La Borne" is handwritten at the bottom of the drawing.
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This is a drawing of a prone figure among foliage and a directional marker. The image features a figure lying face down, partially obscured by dense vegetation. Beside the figure is a column-like object with the words "VERDUN 11 K" inscribed on it. The drawing is rendered in black and white, using expressive lines to create texture and movement. The composition contrasts the solid form of the milestone with the softer, flowing lines of the natural elements around it. The title "La Borne" is handwritten at the bottom of the drawing.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

a) La Borne, Verdun (recto); b) Wounded Soldier and First-Aid Man (verso)

Jean-Louis Forain

Date
c. 1916
Medium
a) brush with black and gray ink and black crayon over graphite on wove paper b) black crayon on wove paper
Dimensions
overall: 32.1 x 50.2 cm (12 5/8 x 19 3/4 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1943.3.4042.a-b
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1901 to 1925
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

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. "LA BORNE" lower center margin, graphite, artist's hand. "A 2392" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. Verso: none.

Marks

"LRJ" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1760b). "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1932d).

Watermarks

None.

NGA object ID 7160. 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.