Jean-Louis Forain: Painting as Commentary

Jean-Louis Forain (1852-1931) forged a successful career as a painter and illustrator, though he is not very well known today. His Wikipedia entry mentions that he was a friend of Degas (not always an easy task) and followed or admired by Lautrec. The article classifies his art as Impressionist, though I can't quite buy that. Rather than focusing on effects of light and color, his work strikes me as being closer akin to that of a sketch artist -- setting down that kind of impression.

Forain was happy to depict both French society's highlights and lowlights -- from courtroom scenes to fancy dress occasions, often with satirical intent. This link has a lengthy commentary on an exhibit of Forain's work that took place a few years ago, and offers another perspective regarding his work.

Gallery

Courtroom scenes...

Legal Assistance - 1900

Avocat et accusé - 1908

Witness Confounded - 1926

In the gardens...

Jardin de Paris c. 1882

The Public Garden - c. 1884

High life...

A Soiree at the Opera

The Buffet - 1884

Outdoors...

The Fisherman- 1884

La cavalière

Here and there...

Cafe Maxim, Paris

Dans les coulisses

Behind the Scenes

... and some portraits

Jeanne Forain

Anna de Noailles