7me 1914 c. 1914 - 1919

Jean-Louis Forain created this drawing, titled "7me 1914", during the First World War. The sketch presents a dynamic scene dominated by a figure in military uniform rendered with sharp, expressive lines. The monochromatic palette and sparse background amplify the sense of urgency. The composition pivots around the soldier, whose posture and equipment—a rifle clutched tightly—convey a sense of desperate forward momentum. Behind him, rapid strokes evoke smoke and destruction, setting a stark contrast against the vast, empty plane ahead. This juxtaposition creates a visual tension, capturing the chaos of war. The use of line is particularly striking. Forain’s rapid, broken marks not only depict form but also convey the psychological state of a soldier amidst conflict. This aesthetic choice reflects a broader artistic concern of portraying not just the events of war but also its profound impact on human experience. It destabilizes conventional heroic depictions of soldiers, offering a raw and immediate representation of survival.