Woman and Two Children with German Soldiers c. 1914 - 1919

"Woman and Two Children with German Soldiers" is a sketch created by the French artist Jean-Louis Forain sometime between 1914 and 1919. The work depicts a woman and two children standing before two German soldiers during the period of World War I. The work is characterized by Forain's signature style of quick, gestural lines and dark shading. The figure of the German soldier on the right has been left unfinished, suggesting the artist's swiftness and spontaneity, while the contrast in size between the soldiers and the civilians reinforces the sense of power imbalance during wartime. The sketch captures the harsh realities of the war and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of conflict on everyday life.