(Reims 1852–1931 Paris)

Scène de tribunal. Circa 1910-20.

Oil on canvas.

Monogrammed lower left: f.

54 x 65 cm.

The authenticity of the work has been confirmed by Florence Valdes-Forain, Paris, October 2016.

Provenance:
- Private collection, Switzerland.
- Koller Auctions, 19 September 2005, lot 6483.
- Private collection, Switzerland (bought at the above auction).

The French artist Jean-Louis Forain studied for a short time at the École des Beaux-Arts and in 1870 went as a pupil to the atelier of André Gill. In his painting he concentrated on everyday scenes of middle class life. An important contact which was to influence his painting style, was his friendship with Degas. They shared an interest in the ballet and the opera and these subjects accompanied both artists throughout their careers. Forain was also known for his political satires, which were published in newspapers and magazines, so that he became known in society. A further important personality who impressed Forain, was Honoré Daumier, through whom Forain eventually found his way to depicting scenes from the law courts. In 1902 he began to paint such court scenes, one of which is offered here at auction. Typical of these scenes is the strong contrast between light and dark, which can be clearly seen in the present painting.