Hiding the "louis" c. 1914 - 1919

"Hiding the 'louis'" is a charcoal drawing by Jean-Louis Forain, dating from the early 20th century. The artwork depicts two figures, a soldier in a trench coat standing beside a pile of skulls, and a female figure, possibly allegorical of France, dressed in a traditional gown with a spear and laurel wreath, seemingly hiding a small statue of "Louis" behind her. Forain's artwork often addressed social issues and themes, often reflecting the artist's own political views. He used simple and gestural lines to convey the scene and its atmosphere. His drawings are known for their satirical nature and social commentary.