Jean-Louis Forain (1852-1931) forged a successful career as a painter and illustrator, though he is not very well known today. His Wikipedia
entry mentions that he was a friend of Degas (not always an easy task) and followed or admired by Lautrec. The article classifies his art as Impressionist, though I can't quite buy that. Rather than focusing on effects of light and color, his work strikes me as being closer akin to that of a sketch artist -- setting down that kind of impression.
Forain was happy to depict both French society's highlights and lowlights -- from courtroom scenes to fancy dress occasions, often with satirical intent.
This link has a lengthy commentary on an exhibit of Forain's work that took place a few years ago, and offers another perspective regarding his work.
Gallery
Courtroom scenes...
Legal Assistance - 1900
Avocat et accusé - 1908
Witness Confounded - 1926
In the gardens...
Jardin de Paris c. 1882
The Public Garden - c. 1884
High life...
A Soiree at the Opera
The Buffet - 1884
Outdoors...
The Fisherman- 1884
La cavalière
Here and there...
Cafe Maxim, Paris
Dans les coulisses
Behind the Scenes
... and some portraits
Jeanne Forain
Anna de Noailles
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