Poilu and German Prisoners c. 1914 - 1919

"Poilu and German Prisoners" is a charcoal drawing by French artist Jean-Louis Forain, created during World War I (c. 1914 - 1919). The artwork depicts a French soldier, known as a "Poilu," tending to two German prisoners of war. The drawing's loose, gestural lines capture the harsh realities of wartime, showcasing the weariness of the French soldier and the subdued posture of the prisoners. Forain's work is known for its satirical and often poignant commentary on social and political issues, reflecting the artist's critical observations of the war's impact. The drawing's simplicity and directness make it a powerful visual statement about the human cost of conflict.