Georges Rouault
(French, 1871–1958)
Biography
Georges Rouault was a French artist whose work melded Fauvism and Expressionism with its jewel-like tones and bold graphic lines. Alongside Henri Matisse, André Derain, Rouault culled from his spiritual fervor and knowledge of medieval stained glass to produce resonating portraits, landscapes, religious scenes, and still lifes. In one of his hallmark works The Old King (1916-1936), the painter poetically explores the power of symbolism and primary colors. “For me, painting is a way to forget life. It is a cry in the night, a strangled laugh,” he once reflected. Born on May 27, 1871 in Paris, France, he apprenticed with a stain glass artisan while studying at the École des Arts Décoratifs, he later studied at the École des Beaux-Arts under the famed Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau, who became an influential mentor. Between 1895 and 1898, the artist became a devout Roman Catholic as well as going through an emotional breakdown. He came out of this revitalized, moralistic and religious, Rouault displayed an interest in the flaws of society and began frequenting Parisian courts of law to find subjects to paint. Throughout the remainder of his career, much of his work was devoted to the depiction of prostitutes, clowns, and Christ. Rouault died on February 13, 1958 in Paris, France at the age of 86. Today, his works are held in the collections of the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, and the Tate Gallery in London, among others.
Most Expensive Artwork Sold at Auction
Georges Rouault Artworks
Georges Rouault
Son avocat, en phases creuses, clame sa..., 1900
Sale Date: June 27, 2011
Auction Closed
.jpg "Sainte-Nitouche, Pl. 19 (from Réincarnation..., 1928")
Georges Rouault
Sainte-Nitouche, Pl. 19 (from Réincarnation..., 1928
Sale Date: June 19, 2011
Auction Closed
.jpg "Stella Matutina (Passion), 1938")
.jpg "Vase de fleurs (+ Bouquet de fleurs, verso)")
.jpg "Debout les morts (+ 2 others; 3 works from..., 1927")
Georges Rouault
Debout les morts (+ 2 others; 3 works from..., 1927
Sale Date: June 23, 2011
Auction Closed
.jpg "Vielle courtisane à la fenêtre (from Les..., 1937")
Georges Rouault
Vielle courtisane à la fenêtre (from Les..., 1937
Sale Date: June 23, 2011
Auction Closed
.jpg "Celui qui croit en moi, fût-il mort, vivra..., 1923")
Georges Rouault
Celui qui croit en moi, fût-il mort, vivra..., 1923
Sale Date: June 23, 2011
Auction Closed
.jpg "Son avocat, en phrases creuses, clame sa..., 1922")
Georges Rouault
Son avocat, en phrases creuses, clame sa..., 1922
Sale Date: June 23, 2011
Auction Closed
.jpg "Christ en profil, à droite (from the Passion)")
Georges Rouault
Christ en profil, à droite (from the Passion)
Sale Date: June 18, 2011
Auction Closed
.jpg "Bella matribus detestata, pl. XLII (from..., 1927")
Georges Rouault
Bella matribus detestata, pl. XLII (from..., 1927
Sale Date: June 16, 2011
Auction Closed
.jpg "Douce Amère pl.12 (from Cirque de l'étoile..., 1934")
Georges Rouault
Douce Amère pl.12 (from Cirque de l'étoile..., 1934
Sale Date: June 24, 2011
Auction Closed
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