Pour l’homme de demain 1914 - 1919

Jean-Louis Forain's "Pour l’homme de demain," a drawing, features a woman embracing a child, set against a backdrop of smoke, an image laden with pathos. The figures evoke the timeless archetype of the Madonna and Child. This motif, since antiquity, has symbolized nurturing and protection, yet here, it is tainted by the grim realities of conflict. One is reminded of similar depictions throughout history, from the Byzantine era to Käthe Kollwitz’s prints, each echoing themes of maternal sorrow and hope amidst despair. The protective embrace—a gesture seen across cultures and epochs—speaks to a primal human instinct. It surfaces in ancient Egyptian art and Renaissance paintings alike, a visual echo resonating through the ages. This recurring image taps into our collective unconscious, stirring deep-seated emotions and anxieties. The woman’s embrace encapsulates fear, love, and resilience, a powerful synthesis of emotions engaging viewers on a visceral level. It speaks to a deeper, subconscious recognition of shared human experiences. The symbol of motherly protection continues its cyclical journey, resurfacing in contemporary contexts. It constantly evolves, reflecting the endless challenges of the human condition.