Les notables (grande planche) (The Notables) (large plate)

c. 1915

Jean-Louis Forain

Associated Names
Jean-Louis Forain

Artist, French, 1852 - 1931

This is a drawing of several figures in motion. The image captures a dynamic scene with figures shown mid-motion. One figure is leaning forward as if running, depicted with bold lines suggesting rapid movement. They are wearing loose clothing and a hat that implies a specific context. Nearby, a group of figures are close together, potentially comforting each other or moving in solidarity. The drawing uses cross-hatching and delicate lines to create depth and emotion. Overall, the sketch portrays movement, urgency, and community through expressive pencil strokes, blending realism with abstraction.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and drypoint on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 23.7 × 32 cm (9 5/16 × 12 5/8 in.)
    sheet: 32.7 × 50.5 cm (12 7/8 × 19 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.3820

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Faxon 1982, no. 167, State only

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

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

Associated Names

Bibliography

1982

  • Faxon, Alicia Craig. Jean-Louis Forain: A Catalogue Raisonne of the Prints. New York: Garland Publishing, Inc., 1982.

Inscriptions

"forain" lower right margin, graphite, artist's hand. Not dated. "Les notables (large plate)" lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand. "MK 29943" lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand. "A27653" lower left 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

[crowned Strasburg lily]

Wikidata ID

Q64959413

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