Charles Jouas (1866-1942) Suburban Landscape, Pencil Drawing

Charles Jouas (1866-1942)
A Suburban landscape,
color pencil on paper
24.5 x 38.5 cm
Bears the stamp of Ullmann collection (Lugt 3533) and a mention handwritten "offert par madame veuve Jouas, avril 1943" (Donated by Mrs. Jouas, widow, in April 1943.) on the reverse of the sheet, now hidden by the back of the frame
Framed : 37.5 x 51 cm

Although it is unsigned, Jouas' style and technique are immediately recognizable. What is very surprising and interesting, however, is the theme and inspiration. It is therefore not surprising that this drawing remained in his possession and was only passed on by his widow after his death. This also explains why it is not signed.
Charles Jouas is well known for his passion for architecture, which he drew in this very distinctive style that we recognize here, but he is best known for his depictions of Gothic architecture also from the Palace of Versailles or other heritage sites.
This suburban landscape with factory chimneys is therefore surprising because it measured itself against a subject that was, on the face of it, more difficult and highly original for the time.
As if he were measuring himself against a challenge, and it turned out to be a personal quest. Here again, we understand better why he kept it to himself.
The result is very modern, and the dry colored pencil technique characteristic of Jouas's work suits this landscape very well.