Refugees

Jean-Louis Forain

National Gallery of Art

The sketch shows a side profile of a person's entire body leaning forward, appearing to push or pull an object, possibly a cart. The figure has facial features with a visible forehead, nose, and mouth, and their hair is mostly covered by a dark headscarf. The person is wearing a long dress or robe, drawn with heavy pencil shading. Two smaller figures, likely children, are sketched beside and behind the person, with minimal facial features. One child is positioned ahead, possibly holding something, while the other follows closely behind. The background is blank, creating emphasis on the figures and cart, with no details of jewelry or specific objects being held. The scene is sketched in pencil on a plain surface.