The Empire Destroys, The Republic Pays

probably 1918

Jean-Louis Forain

Associated Names
Jean-Louis Forain

Artist, French, 1852 - 1931

The artwork features two figures sketched in black charcoal on a light background. The central figure is depicted from approximately the waist down in a dynamic pose, bending over with one arm extended. The clothing appears bulky, and is detailed with various lines and shading for texture. The lower part of the figure is dressed in pants with knee-high boots. To the right, a secondary figure is seated in a relaxed pose, partially obscured and sketched with less detail. The background is mostly empty, except for some hints of debris or ruins towards the left side, suggested by angular shapes. The overall composition conveys movement and context without specific facial details or intricate settings.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    black crayon and brush and black ink on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 32 x 47.5 cm (12 5/8 x 18 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.4117

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

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

Associated Names

Inscriptions

"forain" lower right margin, graphite, artist's hand. Not dated. "Attitude. "Pour ca!... C'est l'Empire qui demolissait. Maintenant, nous sommes une aimable Rep ublique."" lower margin, graphite, unknown hand. "A2355" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand.

Markings

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

Watermarks

None.

Wikidata ID

Q64581508

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