Georges Rouault

Date of Birth: May 27, 1871

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: February 13, 1958

Biography

Georges Rouault was a prominent French painter and printmaker, known for his unique style that bridged the gap between Expressionism and Fauvism. Born on May 27, 1871, in Paris, France, Rouault initially trained as a glass painter and restorer, an early experience that influenced his later work’s bold, vibrant colors and thick black outlines reminiscent of stained glass. In 1891, he entered the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, studying under Gustave Moreau, whose Symbolist influence remained with Rouault throughout his career. Rouault’s work often focused on themes of human suffering, spirituality, and the quest for redemption, reflecting his deep Catholic faith. His early works depicted clowns, prostitutes, and judges, serving as a critique of society’s moral emptiness. His later works turned more towards religious subjects, often portraying the figure of Christ and scenes from the Passion with a profound sense of empathy and reverence. Despite facing initial criticism for his unconventional style, Rouault’s work gained recognition and respect over time. He exhibited with the Fauves in 1905 and had several successful solo exhibitions. His print series “Miserere,” created between 1914 and 1927, is considered one of his masterpieces, showcasing his technical skill and emotional depth. Georges Rouault passed away on February 13, 1958, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most significant religious painters of the 20th century.

5 Interesting Facts about Georges Rouault

1. Rouault originally trained as a glass painter, which significantly influenced his use of color and line in his later works.

2. He was a lifelong friend of Henri Matisse, whom he met while studying under Gustave Moreau.

3. Rouault’s “Miserere” series took over a decade to complete and is considered one of the most important print series of the 20th century.

4. In 1947, a French court granted Rouault the right to reclaim 315 of his paintings from his art dealer, Ambroise Vollard’s estate.

5. His work is often categorized within both the Fauvist and Expressionist movements, though his unique style defies simple classification.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Georges Rouault

1. “A tree against the sky possesses the same interest, the same character, the same expression as the figure of a human.”

2. “The artist discerns, he does not invent.”

3. “My only ambition is to be true to the light that I have been given to see.”

4. “Beauty must be convulsive or it will cease to exist.”

5. “If there were no eternal consciousness in a man, if at the bottom of everything there were only a wild ferment, a power that, twisting in dark passions, produced everything great or inconsequential; if an unfathomable, insatiable emptiness lay hid beneath everything, what would life be but despair?”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Georges Rouault’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his works have continued to fetch high prices at auctions, with some pieces selling for millions of dollars posthumously.