The Taking of Fort Douaumont

probably 1916

Jean-Louis Forain

Associated Names
Jean-Louis Forain

Artist, French, 1852 - 1931

This is a drawing of two figures in dynamic movement. The figures are captured in mid-action, appearing to leap or be propelled forward. Both figures are outlined predominantly with black lines, with certain areas shaded to suggest movement or volume. The drawing uses minimal color, primarily in the form of pale facial tones and faint earth-toned shading on the ground. The sketch-like lines convey a sense of immediacy and vivacity. There is a sense of motion within the figures' dynamic poses as they seemingly move through an unseen landscape.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    brush and black ink with crayon on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 32.4 x 50.1 cm (12 3/4 x 19 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.4055

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

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

Associated Names

Inscriptions

"forain" lower right composition, graphite, artit's hand. "Douaumont 1917" upper right margin, graphite, unknown hand. "La reprise du Fort Douamont. ("L'attaque Francaise favorisee par un t emps brumeux..." (Communiqué allemand du 26 Octobre...) "Et la fume se dissipa." Au Général Aaqin" lower margin, graphite, unknown hand. "A2188" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. Verso: none.

Wikidata ID

Q64581437

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