The Bath (vertical plate) c. 1896

Jean-Louis Forain’s drawing "The Bath", presents us with an intimate scene rendered in delicate strokes of graphite on paper. The composition is dominated by the figure of a woman, her body arched as she attends to her stockings, creating dynamic diagonals. The artist's skilled use of line and shadow defines form but also establishes an atmosphere thick with unspoken narratives. The texture achieved through hatching and cross-hatching adds depth, creating a sense of volume and presence, while the stark contrast between light and shadow directs our gaze, encouraging us to consider not just what is shown, but also what remains concealed. Forain’s mastery lies in his ability to use these formal elements to hint at the complexities of modern life, inviting ongoing interpretation.