Jean-Louis Forain was considered one of the most important artists in France during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a military artist during WWI. This lithograph was created from one of Forain's many drawings dealing with WWI and its aftermath. It was published in 1920 as part of a suite of lithographs entitled, "De La Marne Au Rhin:  Dessins De Annees De Guerre, 1914-1919."

 

This piece is from the deluxe edition, which was larger than the later edition. The deluxe edition was limited to 300 impressions of each image, with each impression numbered in pencil and signed in pencil by Forain. The original stone was also signed by Forain. Since the original image was a drawing, this is technically an "after" Forain lithograph. With the signature of the artist, however, it is more collectable than most "after" impressions. 

 

- Title:  Paysages de Guerre (III)

- Artist:  Jean-Louis Forain (1852-1931, French)

- Year of publication:  1920

- Deluxe edition of 300, all numbered and signed in pencil by Forain

- Number:  60 of 300.

- Image size:  11 inches H x 16.5 inches W (28 cm x 42 cm)

- Sheet size 14-5/8 inches H x 21-1/4 inches W (37.1 cm x 54 cm)

 

Conservation mounted in elegant black suede-type matting with charcoal gray highlights. The contrast of black and charcoal in the matte against the toned paper and ink really make the image pop. All materials are archival and museum quality. Matted size is 18 inches H x 24 inches W (45.7 cm x 60.9 cm).

 

The wove paper is slightly toned due to age. The edges show slight matte burn from previous matting in older materials. The piece has been treated by a professional paper conservator to remove much of the matter burn. The vestiges of the matte burn are outside the image area of the new matting and are therefore not visible.

 

Price is $320 USD.  The original Certificate of Authenticity from a reputable east coast gallery will be provided to the buyer. The piece is known by Alicia Craig Faxon, author of the catagoue raisonne of Forain's graphic works.