New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-11
A FRENCH DRAUGHTSMAN.
THE WORK OF THE SATIRIST FORAIN
HIS STUDIES OF PARIS LIFE.

There are two satirists In France who are
considered the worthy successors OF Gavarni
Cham and Honore Daumier They are Forair
and Steinlen. They work within the same ira
auons; they are in the thick Of the fray at the
present day, and they employ a vivacity Of
method that sometimes knows no moderation
Adolphe Brisson has given IN the Paris Temps"
An entertaining sketch of these men who have
% numerically dashed the absurdties of their
contemporaries that throw Eight on their rcr-
Rnalty and methods.
He found NJ. Forain IN house that he has
just built in the Rue Spontini near the Bots
II seems to be a good indication Of the master
material prosperity. The decorations are re-
strained and have distinction Of their own
and are modelled on the best styles of the last
century; no gliding. but plenty O: the white and
gray Of tho Louis NV period frightened with
the CLINT Of copper and the rich harmonies Of
OLD silks. The whole is Of an exquisite softness.
The visitor is led to ask how the man who lives
In such dwelling can pass such bitter judg
ments with his pen and pencil. But moralists
do not live in the garnet; they need not dwell
r. poverty. AL that is necessary is that they
should have become familiar with thece things.
AND that is the case with NJ. Forain.
Mounting the steps OF splendid stairway Of
wrought iron. and pausng 10 admire the ateer
where Nine. Forain does fine pastels, the visitor
nnds himself in the studio which the master
himself occupies on the toy floor. The room is
immense, Uttered with canvases. easels and
papers, and divided into two stories by sort Of
gallery or loft where the artist withdraws when
he desires TO be alone and to work at his ease.
Those who have met Forain at the pera or in
the drawing rooms of his friends have the i'm
and lowering look. Is this the true Foran, or
. false view Of him, as he masks himself before
the world? NJ. Brisson found his impression
undergoing instant mobilization; the satirst
stood before him with the rigidity Of his feat
ures relaxed and as though Modified. The Wis
itor was charmed and in truth surprised at the
heartiness OF his reception. Nainly he sought
In his hosts black eye for the fierce CLEAN he
thought he had discerned before. He saw only
sadness there-a melancholy tempered by a sort
Of smiling good fellowship. Ii is a strange word
TO use in speaking of NJ. Forain. for ne is gen
orally seen through his work The truth is that
q sort of kindness is mingled With his biting
sarcasm His worst audaCitics are inspired H.!
q sentiment Of pity for the under dogs. and Of
Irritation against those whom Fortune faVors
and who enjoy her blessings selfshy. All
Forain's talent u summed W III this contrast
and IL is reflected even in his countenance. His
eye is watchfuI. sharp ooolly hservant his
mouth is irOnical but not wicked There Is
something Of the Paris gamn in that bony fore
head in that thin and why body in that voice
The author Of Hard Times is q composite OF
La Rochefoucauld and Gavroche.
he came from the people. His father was a
house painter, and he was destined for that
trade; but another sort of painting attracted
him. Whenever he could get hold OF bit OF
paper he drew people on IT, and showed great
repugnance TO spreading mixed colors Oh wall
Ii was decided TO send him 10 school and 1ake
q workman OF him. The prospect had SINAI. at
traction for the young Jean Louis HIS only
pleasure was to visit ;he Louvre and surrepu-