Versailles juillet. La Germania signe… c. 1919

"Versailles juillet. La Germania signe…" is a charcoal drawing by French artist Jean-Louis Forain, created around 1919. This artwork is a satirical depiction of the Treaty of Versailles, the peace treaty signed after World War I. The drawing shows a seated, stern-looking figure holding a helmet, likely representing Germany, while a woman, possibly symbolizing France, stands in the background looking down, highlighting the humiliation and hardship imposed on Germany. The title suggests an agreement between Germany and France, but the drawing conveys a sense of power imbalance and the ongoing impact of the war. This piece, a poignant commentary on the post-war period, showcases Forain's talent for capturing the social and political anxieties of his time.