French Painter Georges Rouault 1871 Paris – 1958 Paris "clown"

French Painter Georges Rouault 1871 Paris – 1958 Paris "Clown"
Oil on cardboard
Size: 24 x 17 cm
Signed lower right G. Rouault
Framed. Inscription and stamps on the back

 In 1885, Rouault, aged fourteen, began an apprenticeship as a glass painter and restorer, which lasted until 1890. This early experience as a glass painter has been suggested as the likely source of the thick black outline and vibrant colours that resemble the style of leaded matte glass. During his apprenticeship, he also attended evening classes at the École des Beaux-Arts and in 1891 entered the École des Beaux-Arts, France's official art school. There, he studied with Gustave Moreau and became his favourite pupil. Rouault's early works feature a symbolism in the use of color that likely reflects Moreau's influence, and when Moreau died in 1898, Rouault was appointed curator of the Musée Moreau in Paris.

In 1891, Rouault painted Le Chemin du Calvaire. In 1894, Rouault won the Prix Chenavard. [2] From 1895 onwards, he participated in major public exhibitions, including the Salon d'Automne (which he helped found), which exhibited paintings with religious themes, landscapes, and still lifes. Rouault met Henri Matisse, Albert Marquet, Henri Manguin, and Charles Camoin. These friendships led him to the Fauvist movement, of which Matisse is considered the leader. In 1905, he exhibited his paintings at the Salon d'Automne with other Fauves. While Matisse represented the reflective and rationalized aspects of the group, Rouault embodied a more spontaneous and instinctive style.

His use of sharp contrasts and emotionality is attributed to the influence of Vincent van Gogh. His characterization of overstated grotesque figures inspired Expressionist painters.