Georges Rouault

French, 1871 - 1958

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The artwork features a series of curved and arched shapes dominating the upper portion of the composition, depicting a vaulted ceiling. Beneath these arches, a collection of vertical and horizontal lines indicates figures and structures. The scene includes vibrant colors, including blues, yellows, and reds, which blend together. The abstract figures are engaged in an event.
Georges Rouault, The Breton Wedding, 1937, oil on canvas, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, 1985.64.37

The Breton Wedding

Georges Rouault · 1937 · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  1985.64.37
The image shows a large vertical rectangle with a solid, dark blue stripe on the left and a wider, textured light blue area filling the rest of the space. The textures in the light blue area create an abstract cloud-like pattern.
Georges Rouault, Les Fleurs du Mal, published 1966, portfolio with fourteen aquatints, Rosenwald Collection, 1954.12.116-129

Les Fleurs du Mal

Georges Rouault · published 1966 · portfolio with fourteen aquatints ·  Accession ID  1954.12.116-129
This is a painting of three figures in an abstract style. The central figure is depicted with a sense of movement and elegance. The figures are outlined in black against a textured background. There are handwritten annotations surrounding the painting. The style is reminiscent of painter Edgar Degas.
Georges Rouault, Arabesques, 1938, wood engraving (drawn by Roualt, engraved by G. Aubert), Rosenwald Collection, 1980.45.1237

Arabesques

Georges Rouault · 1938 · wood engraving (drawn by Roualt, engraved by G. Aubert) ·  Accession ID  1980.45.1237
The image shows angular and curved lines forming three elongated human-like figures beneath a crescent shape. These figures wear pointed hats and layered clothing, reminiscent of jesters or medieval performers. The stylized lines and dark shading enhance the abstract nature of the composition, creating a scene that suggests a theatrical performance under a crescent moon.
Georges Rouault, Three Clowns, 1938, wood engraving (drawn by Roualt, engraved by G. Aubert), Rosenwald Collection, 1980.45.1239

Three Clowns

Georges Rouault · 1938 · wood engraving (drawn by Roualt, engraved by G. Aubert) ·  Accession ID  1980.45.1239
In the abstract composition below the text, curved lines and organic shapes intersect and overlap to form a silhouette resembling a reclining human figure. The shapes hint at limbs and a torso, with shading adding depth. Geometric shapes and flowing lines combine to create a recognizable representation of a reclining figure.
Georges Rouault, Reclining Nude, 1938, wood engraving (drawn by Roualt, engraved by G. Aubert), Rosenwald Collection, 1980.45.1238

Reclining Nude

Georges Rouault · 1938 · wood engraving (drawn by Roualt, engraved by G. Aubert) ·  Accession ID  1980.45.1238
The image is a portrait of a person with stylized facial features. The person is facing forward, with large slightly closed eyes, thick eyebrows, a pronounced nose, and full lips. They have long dark hair extending to the shoulders. The clothing is depicted in green and reddish-brown hues, and there are no visible accessories. The background consists of vibrant colors like green, orange, yellow, and teal blending around the head.
Georges Rouault, Christ de Face, 1938, 4-color sugar-lift aquatint on wove paper, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Frederick Mulder in memory of Daniel Jonathan Mulder and in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1990.116.2

Christ de Face

Georges Rouault · 1938 · 4-color sugar-lift aquatint on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1990.116.2
The image displays bold, curving lines and shapes that interlock to create an abstract composition. It features vivid colors, including red, yellow, and blue, with black outlines defining different sections of the piece. The abstract shapes do not resemble familiar objects.
Georges Rouault, Laquais (Footman), 1937, 5-color sugar-lift aquatint on wove paper, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Frederick Mulder in memory of Daniel Jonathan Mulder and in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1990.116.1

Laquais (Footman)

Georges Rouault · 1937 · 5-color sugar-lift aquatint on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1990.116.1
The image features bold, sweeping black lines and brushstrokes that form curved and angular shapes. The lines create an impression of figures interacting with one another. The composition depicts human-like forms seated or kneeling around a tall candle-like shape in the center. The arrangement of shapes and lines suggests a scene with three characters engaged in a contemplative or conversational moment.
Georges Rouault, Christ et Sainte Femme, 1936, aquatint in black (trial proof), Rosenwald Collection, 1950.17.258

Christ et Sainte Femme

Georges Rouault · 1936 · aquatint in black (trial proof) ·  Accession ID  1950.17.258
The image has bold, angular lines and blocks of color creating an intricate and somewhat chaotic composition defining abstract shapes. The use of red and black suggests a figure, possibly resembling a soldier, with a bright red garment that could resemble a military coat with buttons. The abstract depiction hints at a seated position, with suggestions of arms and a head blending into the forms, reminiscent of a historical or classical subject. The background has darker hues, giving an impression of depth or a shadowy interior space.
Georges Rouault, Laquais (Footman), 1936/1938, color aquatint with mixed intaglio processes, Rosenwald Collection, 1964.8.1489

Laquais (Footman)

Georges Rouault · 1936/1938 · color aquatint with mixed intaglio processes ·  Accession ID  1964.8.1489
This is an image of an abstract gathering in a room. The painting features figures depicted in bold, dark brush strokes against a lighter background. The figures are stylized, lacking detailed features and represented by outlines and simple shapes. The scene appears to be within an interior space, suggested by lines resembling walls or structural elements in the background. The composition is energetic and expressive, characterized by dynamic lines and contrasts of light and dark areas. The style is reminiscent of Georges Rouault, known for his expressionistic approach and bold outlines.
Georges Rouault, Le Christ et Mammon, 1936, aquatint in black (trial proof), Rosenwald Collection, 1950.17.257

Le Christ et Mammon

Georges Rouault · 1936 · aquatint in black (trial proof) ·  Accession ID  1950.17.257