France Watching

c. 1914/1919

Jean-Louis Forain

Associated Names
Jean-Louis Forain

Artist, French, 1852 - 1931

This is a minimalist drawing of a cloaked figure standing on a rocky cliff. The scene is rendered in soft black and gray tones on paper. The figure, draped in flowing garments, appears to gaze out into a vast landscape dominated by the sky. The drawing uses brushstrokes to convey texture and an atmospheric effect suggesting contemplation or solitude. The surroundings are sketch-like with few details, emphasizing the silhouette and mood. Light and shadow create depth and a sense of vastness beyond the figure's sight.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    brush and gray and black ink on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 36.7 x 54.8 cm (14 7/16 x 21 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.9058

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], Jenkintown, PA; gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

"forain" lower right margin, black crayon, artist's hand. Not dated. "950" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. Verso: none.

Markings

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

Watermarks

None.

Wikidata ID

Q64581542

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