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Drawing of an Elephant and Calf, Ink and Wash on Paper by Jean Poulain, 1942
About the Item
Jean Poulain (1884–1967) – Original Drawing of an Elephant and Calf, Signed and Dated 1942
A deeply touching and atmospheric original wildlife drawing by Belgian artist Jean Poulain, dated 1942 and signed in ink. Capturing the essence of familial closeness and the silent strength of nature, this rare piece is a tribute to the artist’s lifelong connection to the African continent.
Rendered in a confident, expressive style, the drawing depicts an elephant cow and her calf, shown frontally with the little one nestled gently between her legs — protected, yet already observing the world. There’s a quiet power in the mother’s stance, a sense of calm watchfulness and gentle pride.
Medium & Technique:
Executed in ink and wash, with elements of gouache and possibly black chalk or Conté, this is not a print but an entirely handmade original drawing. The use of washes creates subtle tonal variations and a painterly depth, while darker, more gestural lines define form and movement. The trunk, ears and eyes are articulated with particular sensitivity, giving the elephant a noble, almost human dignity.
The work is presented in a museum-quality, anti-reflective glass frame, set within a deep, dark-stained wooden profile with an inner gold accent.
• Overall dimensions (framed): 52 × 63 × 4 cm / 20.47 × 24.8 × 1.57 in
About the Artist:
Jean Poulain (1884–1967) was born in Katanga (former Belgian Congo) and dedicated much of his life to exploring and documenting African wildlife. After leaving his family in 1904, he spent decades traveling across the continent, developing a profound artistic vocabulary rooted in natural observation and emotional connection to animals in their environment.
From the 1920s onward, Poulain’s drawings became increasingly centered on wildlife subjects, especially elephants, which he rendered with both anatomical accuracy and expressive intimacy. His work is now considered a key part of early 20th-century wildlife art, especially within Belgian colonial and postcolonial contexts.
Provenance:
This drawing comes from a private European collection. The condition is very good for its age, with light natural toning and minimal handling traces.
⸻
A moving and elegant portrait of one of nature’s most majestic creatures – and a testament to the enduring bond between mother and child.
This work not only enriches any collection of animal art or Art Deco-era drawings, but also brings a sense of calm presence and narrative warmth to any interior.
- Creator:Jean Poulain (Painter)
- Dimensions:Height: 24.81 in (63 cm)Width: 20.48 in (52 cm)Depth: 1.58 in (4 cm)
- Style:Art Deco (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1942
- Condition:Additions or alterations made to the original: New Frame with glass in museum quality. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
- Seller Location:Ulm, DE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3128344639032
Jean Poulain
Jean Poulain was born in 1884 in Katanga, former Belgian Congo. A self-taught artist from an early age, he was in search of all the emotions and beauty of Africa. His love and passion for drawing were amazing. In 1904, he decided to leave the family nucleus to jump and experience the wonders of Africa. He went on to explore the territory of Congo, which was then under the rule of King Leopold II of Belgium. In 1912, he participated in the discovery of the African continent. He became a bulimic observer, sketching every nook and cranny. In 1920, he turned a painter, focussed only on animals. He had by then with his wife embarked on a search of large Savannah animals capturing them in their closest attitudes of reality. They traveled across Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Ethiopia, South Africa and many other countries. These travels, his curiosity and humanism helped him meet tribesmen and their secret clans. However, with great humanity, he preferred silence about the locations of these sites in order to preserve their civilization. Many drawings and sketches followed these trips from which he tried to bring out the animal world and, moreover, the tribal world of Africa.
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