Le replis boche c. 1914 - 1919

"Le replis boche" (The German Retreat) is a drawing by Jean-Louis Forain, a prominent French artist, created during World War I (1914-1919). The artwork depicts a scene of German soldiers retreating, possibly after a battle, with one soldier standing tall and stoic, while another appears to be slumped over. Forain's work is known for its satirical and often critical portrayal of societal themes, and this drawing exemplifies his keen observation of the war's impact on individuals. The sketch-like quality and the use of light washes of color create a sense of immediacy and informality, conveying the chaos and uncertainty of the war.