| Georges Rouault |
| Biography |
| 1871-1958, born Paris. In 1885 embarked on an apprenticeship as a glass painter and restorer. This early experience as a glass painter has been suggested as a likely source of the heavy black contouring and glowing colours which characterize Rouault's mature painting style. In 1891 he entered the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, the official art school of France. There he studied under Gustave Moreau. Rouault's earliest works show a symbolism in the use of colour that probably reflects Moreau's influence, and when Moreau died in 1898 Rouault was nominated the curator of the Moreau Museum in Paris. He met Henri Matisse. This friendship brought him to the movement of Fauvism. In 1891 Rouault painted "The Way to Calvary". In 1905 he exhibited his paintings at the Salon d’Automne with the other Fauvists. While Matisse represented the reflective and rationalized aspects in the group, Rouault embodied a more spontaneous and instinctive style. His use of stark contrasts and emotionality is credited to the influence of Vincent van Gogh. His characterizations of overemphasized grotesque personalities inspired the expressionist painters. In 1907, Rouault commenced a series of paintings dedicated to courts, clowns and prostitutes. These paintings are interpreted as moral and social criticism. He became attracted to Spiritualism and the dramatic existentialism of the philosopher Jacques Maritain, who remained a close friend for the rest of his life. After that, he dedicated himself to religious subjects. Human nature was always the focus of his interest. In 1910, Rouault had his first works exhibited in the Druet Gallery. His works were studied by German artists from Dresden, who later formed the nucleus of expressionism. From 1917, Rouault dedicated himself to painting. He searched for inspiration in religious subjects: first of all, in the theme of the passion of Christ. The face of Jesus and the cries of the women at the feet of the cross are symbols of the pain of the world, which for Rouault was relieved by belief in resurrection. In 1930 he also began to exhibit in foreign countries, mainly in London, New York and Chicago. In 1937 Rouault painted "The Old King" - arguably his very finest expressionist work. He exhibited his cycle Miserere in 1948. |
| The Virgin Pierced by Seven Swords Aquatint from Miserere 1926 ed 450 57x40 plate signed and dated POA Framed |
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| Miserere 50.5 x 65.5 édition définitive 1948 Aquatint and engraving from: Miserere Plate XVI "Dame du haut-quartier croit prendre pour le ciel place reserve" (The well-bred lady thinks she has a reserved seat in Heaven) POA SOLD |
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