Toward Justice

c. 1914/1919

Jean-Louis Forain

Associated Names
Jean-Louis Forain

Artist, French, 1852 - 1931

The image displays a series of sketchy lines and shapes creating an abstract scene. Two elongated, linear figures appear, with one figure sitting and the other standing, both resembling soldiers with helmet-like hats. The minimalistic and abstract nature of the drawing evokes rough charcoal sketches of uniformed figures at attention, with their simplified forms capturing a military-like presence. Behind them are abstract lines that may suggest distant landscapes or structures but lack detail. The overall composition uses sweeping and curved lines typical of abstract representation, with familiar connections evoking images of soldiers in the field.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    black crayon on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 31.6 x 47 cm (12 7/16 x 18 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.4127

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. "Vers la Justice. "Prisonnier? "Non, Monsieur; pour moi vous etes un prevenu."" lower left margin, graphite, unknown hand. "A 2310" 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

"J"

Wikidata ID

Q64581518

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