You hide things from me like I'm jealous (Tu me fais des cachoteries comme si j'étais jalousie)

This bold ink drawing is preparatory for a chromo typograph illustration on the cover of the magazine "Le Rire" ("Laughter;" no. 178, 4e année, 4 April 1898), one of the most popular humor magazines at the end of the century. Forain was one of the many prominent artists who produced designs to enliven the periodical's cover and centerfold. Other contributors included Théophile Steinlen and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The caption translates as "You hide things from me like I'm jealous," a comment that reveals the close observation of relationship dynamics that underlies his domestic scenes.