Kissing the Flag 1919

Jean-Louis Forain made this drawing, *Kissing the Flag*, with a pencil on paper. Look at the hatch marks that create the image, like a flurry of activity defining the soldier and the flag. It gives a sense of immediacy, like the artist quickly captured the scene. Forain's marks are economical, yet they create a palpable sense of texture. The weight of the soldier's coat contrasts with the delicate fabric of the flag. Notice how the density of lines around the face draws you in, the figure’s intense gaze full of reverence. But it's not overly sentimental. The rough, almost frantic lines keep it real. It’s not about glorifying war; it's about capturing a raw, human moment. You know, this reminds me of Käthe Kollwitz, another artist who wasn't afraid to show the gritty side of life. Both artists embraced the power of drawing to convey complex emotions, and understood the value of embracing ambiguity.