The Client c. 19th - 20th century

Jean-Louis Forain made "The Client" using charcoal and crayon on paper. These are simple materials, direct and immediate. The artist's hand is evident in the vigorous strokes, as he emphasizes the character’s expressions. Forain, known for his illustrations of Parisian life, captures a scene of transaction here. The bold strokes of charcoal that form the figures against the grey paper evoke the grittiness of urban life. It is this directness in application, and choice of accessible materials, that bring the scene to life. We see a woman, presumably the client, and two men, potentially vendors or service providers. The artist's quick application of shading and sketching shows an understanding of the human form and a sense of social commentary. By focusing on the material and the speed of the artistic process, we gain insight into Forain’s perspective and artistic style. The lack of refinement in favor of conveying the immediacy of everyday interactions blurs the line between fine art and social observation.