A la table de jeu (1ère planche) (At the Gambling Table) (first plate)

Jean-Louis Forain

National Gallery of Art

The sketch shows various people in different upper body positions. One man is in the foreground leaning forward, possibly resting his head on his hand. He has a mustache and short, combed-back hair. Next to him is another man with a mustache and thinning hair, slightly turned. The other people in the background appear casual or introspective. Two women are shown, one smiling slightly with voluminous hair possibly decorated with flowers, while the other has similar hair but her face is partly obscured. Another man wears a hat and coat, with less distinct facial features due to sketchy shading. The people are depicted in suits or formal attire typical of the early 20th century. The background features quick, cross-hatched lines creating a busy texture with no specific setting or objects. No jewelry or objects are shown in the sketch.