Defenseur et Accuse

c. 1908

Jean-Louis Forain

Associated Names
Jean-Louis Forain

Artist, French, 1852 - 1931

The image shows a sketch of four people - three adults and one child. The sketch features the upper bodies of the individuals, who are positioned closely together, appearing to be sitting or reclining on a surface. The central figure, an adult with long dark hair, has a stylized face with exaggerated features. The person to their right, also an adult, has a distinct mustache and similarly stylized facial features. Another adult figure to the left is wearing a hat, with facial features etched in shadows. The child is nestled in the arms of the central figure, wrapped in fabric, with their face partially visible. All figures are wearing loosely sketched garments. In the background, there are linear patterns and abstract shapes suggesting an indoor setting with architectural elements such as shelves or walls. The sketch is monochrome, created with dark lines on sepia-toned paper.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    crayon with graphite additions on brown wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 19.9 x 27.5 cm (7 13/16 x 10 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.4003


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. Verso: none.

Markings

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

Watermarks

None.

Wikidata ID

Q64581378

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