Jean-Louis Forain

A fine sketchbook comprising 27 sheets (142 x 93 mm, perforated at left margin for removal) each with pen-and-ink or pencil drawings, 9 with drawings on both recto and verso, [Paris?, late 19th/early 20th c.], bound in blue coated stiff card, with black cloth spine; stubs of a few removed sheets still in sketchbook, spine torn and worn, minor wear to covers.

A witty and amusing sketchbook of Parisian subjects.  One leaf of the notebook is inscribed in an unidentified hand: "Croquis de Forain faits chez Rits[?]."  Of special interest is a portrait study of Giovanni Boldini in profile (illustrated).  There are also portraits of Spanish artist José-Maria Sert and caricaturist Sem (Georges Goursat).