Georges Rouault (1871-1958)

Georges Rouault, a painter favoring understated elegance, is considered a key figure in the Fauves movement and is the only French artist whose emotional expression rivals that of German Expressionism.

Before studying at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he worked for five years at a stained glass company, whose strong black lines influenced the formation of his unique style, leading him to find luminous, simplified subjects that appeared with a religious sensibility.

He would repaint the canvas, layering it upon layer, enriching the painting with absolute power and spirituality. Thus, we see him bringing some “finished” paintings to his studio for secret finishing touches. These include “The Old King” (1916-36), “Bible Landscape with Two Trees” (1952), a clown head, an “Unknown” painting, and an image of Jesus Christ.