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
Femme affranchie a quatorze heures chante..., 1923
Sale Date: March 26, 1997
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
Solitaire en cette vie d'embuches et de..., 1922
Sale Date: March 20, 1997
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
Chantez matines, le jour renâit, pl.29, 1922
Sale Date: March 15, 1997
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
La prostitution s'allume dans les rue, pl.X, 1927
Sale Date: March 15, 1997
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
Misere: ET Veronique au tendre lin passe encore...
Sale Date: March 11, 1997
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
Miserere: Il serait si doux d'aimer, pl.XIII, 1923
Sale Date: February 13, 1997
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
Miserere: En bouche qui fut fraiche gout de..., 1922
Sale Date: February 13, 1997
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
Obeissant jusqu' a la more et lat mort de la , 1926
Sale Date: February 1, 1997
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
Nous devons mourir, nous et tout ce que est..., 1922
Sale Date: December 7, 1996
Auction Closed
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