Les Mamans 

Jean-Louis Forain created "Les Mamans" using graphite and possibly charcoal on paper. Rather than being a highly worked painting in oil, the drawing is immediate, capturing a fleeting moment. Look closely, and you can see the artist's hand at work in the visible, energetic strokes. These lines create a sense of movement, making us feel as if we've caught a glimpse of these women in a candid moment. The use of drawing as a medium also imbues the work with a sense of accessibility, mirroring the everyday lives of his subjects. Forain was deeply engaged with social realities, and printmaking allowed him to reach a wide audience. In this drawing, the artist challenges the traditional hierarchy that elevated painting above works on paper. He finds beauty and meaning in the ordinary, depicting the world around him with empathy. By emphasizing the materials and the process of making, Forain invites us to reconsider the value we place on different forms of art, and to recognize the significance of capturing a shared experience.