Le pas de l’oie – dans le sang c. 1914 - 1919

Curator: Looking at this charcoal and pencil drawing, made circa 1914 to 1919 by Jean-Louis Forain, titled "Le pas de l’oie – dans le sang"—or "The Goose Step – in Blood"—I find myself struck by the artist's scathing commentary. Editor: Absolutely. My immediate impression is of grotesque distortion. The harsh lines and stark contrast emphasize the dehumanization inherent in militarism. It’s difficult to look at and rightly so. Curator: Forain’s piece, situated firmly within the period of the First World War, speaks volumes about the artist's views on the conflict, doesn’t it? His use of caricature transforms the rigid goose step—a symbol of Prussian military discipline—into something absurd, even macabre. The 'blood' alluded to in the title intensifies this sense of dread. Editor: It is incredibly potent, isn't it? Consider the historical context; World War I saw unprecedented levels of industrialised slaughter, and that military precision became synonymous with mass death. Forain masterfully implicates that twisted ideal in the horror unfolding across Europe at the time. Curator: I agree. We should also point out that Forain’s choice of medium contributes to the overall effect. The roughness of charcoal lends itself to capturing the raw emotion of the time, and its impermanence somehow makes the piece more immediate. His background in satire surely shines through. Editor: Precisely. It has a feeling of immediacy. His style suggests a desperate attempt to process and visually represent the incomprehensible violence and trauma inflicted upon Europe, whilst highlighting the toxic masculinity and enforced nationalism involved. Curator: Indeed, Forain had a knack for capturing the mood of his time. Though disturbing, this artwork encourages reflection on how propaganda and militaristic culture intersect. Editor: It challenges us to really question those in power and what exactly are the consequences of blind obedience. This visceral image is more than just an artifact of its time; it’s a lesson to present and future generations.