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This is a drawing of two figures in a minimalistic style. The drawing depicts one figure resting against another, who appears to be supporting them. The figure providing support is sketched with attention to the clothing details and a helmet. The gazes and interactions between the figures suggest a poignant and emotional dynamic. The artwork is composed with light and confident strokes, capturing movement and posture with simplicity. The negative space adds to the emotional resonance. Handwritten text below the figures provides narrative context. The artist has signed the work.
Read the visual description

This is a drawing of two figures in a minimalistic style. The drawing depicts one figure resting against another, who appears to be supporting them. The figure providing support is sketched with attention to the clothing details and a helmet. The gazes and interactions between the figures suggest a poignant and emotional dynamic. The artwork is composed with light and confident strokes, capturing movement and posture with simplicity. The negative space adds to the emotional resonance. Handwritten text below the figures provides narrative context. The artist has signed the work.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

a) -Un farman? -non, c'est un boche. (recto); b) Sketch of Figure (verso)

Jean-Louis Forain

Date
c. 1914/1919
Medium
a) black crayon and brush and black ink on laid paper b) black crayon on laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 31.7 x 47.5 cm (12 1/2 x 18 11/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1943.3.4126.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. "-un farman? / -non, c'est un boche." lower left margin, graphite, artist's hand. "A 2312" 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 7245. 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.