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
MISERERE: CELUI QUI CROIT EN MOI FUT-IL MORT VIVRA
Sale Date: October 25, 1990
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
PASSION: FRONTISPICE CHRIST AUX PORTES DE LA...
Sale Date: October 25, 1990
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
BON CANDIDAT BOUDOUBADABOU, PLATE III..., 1928–1928
Sale Date: October 23, 1990
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
PLUS LE COEUR EST NOBLE, MOINSLE COL..., 1926–1926
Sale Date: October 23, 1990
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
LE CLOWN JAUNE, PLATE VII FROMCIRQUE..., 1930–1930
Sale Date: October 23, 1990
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
LE DIRECTEUR DE THEATRE, PLATE XX, FROM , 1928–1928
Sale Date: October 23, 1990
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
PORTRAIT DE M. FRANCOIS HERMES, 1899–1900
Sale Date: October 12, 1990
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
JOIIES DISCRETES AU VIEUX FAUBOURG DES LONGUES...
Sale Date: October 2, 1990
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
"SEIGNEUR C'EST VOUS JE VOUS..., 1927–1927
Sale Date: September 14, 1990
Auction Closed
Georges Rouault
MISERERE, SOCIETE D'EDITION L'ETOILE FILANTE,...
Sale Date: June 29, 1990
Auction Closed