Items Similar to Drawing of an Elephant and Calf, Ink and Wash on Paper by Jean Poulain, 1942
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7
Drawing of an Elephant and Calf, Ink and Wash on Paper by Jean Poulain, 1942
$2,149.84
£1,593.01
€1,800
CA$2,973.95
A$3,277.50
CHF 1,715.88
MX$40,258.05
NOK 21,560.40
SEK 20,178.82
DKK 13,708.33
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.
About the Seller
4.9
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2017
1stDibs seller since 2017
341 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Ulm, Germany
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllLes Animaux d'Afrique, Etching and Drypoint by Odette Denis
Located in Ulm, DE
"Les lions et lionnes à la rivière" (Lions at the river)
Etching and drypoint
by Odette Denis, signed
framed (41x47 cm)
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Limited Lithograph Combat entre un lion et un python by Paul Jouve 1930
By Paul Jouve
Located in Ulm, DE
Lithograph "Combat entre un lion et un python" (French: "Fight between a lion and a python")
by "Paul Jouve" (1878 - 1973)
"Signed "Jouve
Lithograph with limited edition - number ...
Category
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Prints
Materials
Paper
Etudes d'Animaux Sauvages, Etching and Drypoint by Odette Denis
Located in Ulm, DE
"Etudes d'animaux sauvages" (french: Wildlife studies)
Etching and drypoint
by Odette Denis, signed
framed (64x44 cm)
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Framed French Art Deco Panel showing a Scene with Elephants in a Jungle Pattern
Located in Ulm, DE
Jungle scene with elephants, framed
Dimensions:
Width: 108 cm
Height: 74 cm
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Posters
Materials
Wood
Etching and Drypoint of a Grooming Black Panther by Odette Denis
Located in Ulm, DE
Grooming Black Panther, by Odette Denis
Signed "O. Denis"
Etching and drypoint
Professionally framed
Nonreflecting glass in museum quality
Wooden frame
France, 1950s
Dimensions ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Prints
Materials
Paper, Glass, Wood
Les lions et lionnes à la rivière, Etching and Drypoint by Odette Denis
Located in Ulm, DE
"Les lions et lionnes à la rivière" (Lions at the river)
Etching and drypoint
by Odette Denis, signed
framed (41x47 cm)
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
You May Also Like
German expressionist drawing of a Bull Elephant by Carl Hofer
By Carl Hofer
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Carl Hofer (German, 1875 – 1955)
Elefantenbulle (Bull elephant)
Pencil on paper
Signed with monogram ‘CH’ (lower right)
15.3/4 x 13.3/8 in. (40 x 34 cm.)
Provenance: These works come from the artist’s second wife Elizabeth and from then by descent.
Carl Hofer was a German expressionist painter and the director of the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts. One of the most important painters of the Expressionist movement, his work was among those that was considered degenerate art by the Nazis. He studied in Karlsruhe under Hans Thoma. He first visited Paris in 1899 making acquaintance with Julius Meier-Graefe. In 1902 he studied in Stuttgardt and became friends with the sculptor Hermann Haller...
Category
20th Century Expressionist Animal Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Pencil
Africa - The Elephant - Original Lithograph by Emmanuel Gondouin - 1930s
Located in Roma, IT
Africa - The Elephant is an original artwork realized by Emmanuel Gondouin (Versailles, 1883 - Parigi, 1934) in 1930s.
Original Lithograph, part of a collection entitled "Africa".
...
Category
1930s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Paper, Lithograph
Italian Contemporary Hand Colored Faunistic Print Representing "Elephant"
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Print from a Collection of three faunistic prints:
- Tiger an Jaguar
- Elephant
- Giraffe
Printed manually on 100% cotton engraving paper in Florence Italy.
Each print is entirely p...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Vintage Framed Sketch Two Cows Book Peinture et Dessins de Paul Jouve, 1930
By Paul Jouve
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage black wood framed sketch of two cows, from the Book Peinture et Dessins de Paul Jouve.
Dated circa 1930. Not an original Paul Jouve drawing.
Sk...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Drawings
Materials
Paper
"Elephants" by André Ferrand - 2004
Located in Saint ouen, FR
"Elephants" by André Ferrand
Mixed media on canvas
2004
Work titled, signed and dated
Dimensions: L 105 x h 71 x d 4 cms
Excellent condition
Category
Early 2000s French Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Elephant - Original Lithograph by Emmanuel Gondouin - 1930s
Located in Roma, IT
Elephant is an original lithograph realized in the early 1930s by Emmanuel Gondouin, (Versailles, 1883 - Parigi, 1934)
The artwork is depicted through strong strokes and is part of...
Category
1930s Modern Animal Prints
Materials
Lithograph
More Ways To Browse
Belgian Congo
Jung Koch Quentell Vintage
Plaster Wall Panel
Porcelain Marie Antoinette
Psychedelic Decoration
Rare Rooster
Rosewood Tall Cabinet
Saddle Sculpture
Satsuma Moriage
Sculpture Rat
Sculpture Swing
Seahorse Sculpture
Sergio Bustamante Signed
Shell Engraving
Signed Copper Enamel
Silver Mouse
Slate Mantel
Solid Brass Animal