The Petition
1906 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This oil on canvas painting depicts a somber courtroom scene with a seated woman holding a document. It is part of the National Gallery of Art's collection.
Did you know?
Jean-Louis Forain was a prolific illustrator and painter whose work frequently critiqued the French legal and social systems of his time. His experiences as a courtroom observer allowed him to capture the weary, often indifferent nature of the legal bureaucracy with a keen, satirical eye. 'The Petition' specifically highlights the power imbalance between the ordinary citizen and the detached figures of authority.
Know the artwork. Knowing its title and artist turns a beautiful image into a story worth sharing — with a museum label:
The Petition
Jean-Louis Forain, 1906
On your wall. Unlock the HD download and keep this piece in your Vault — forever.
