It Was Our House 

Jean-Louis Forain captured "It Was Our House" using watercolor and charcoal, responding to the widespread devastation of World War I. Forain served as a war artist, and this piece encapsulates the war’s impact on ordinary lives, especially for women and children. In the image, a woman and child stand on a shore, gazing at a landscape marred by smoke and destruction. The woman, likely a mother, gestures towards the obliterated town, her posture suggesting a mix of despair and protectiveness. The child clings to her, representing vulnerability and loss of innocence amidst the chaos of war. Forain’s muted palette and stark depiction of ruined buildings evoke a sense of desolation. This work reflects the era's changing gender roles, where women were left to grapple with the homefront's destruction, becoming symbols of resilience amidst loss. Through the intimate focus on the figures and the somber setting, Forain poignantly reflects on the personal tragedies interwoven with the larger historical narrative, reminding us of war's profound and lasting impact on individuals and communities.