Rouault, Georges, Aide-Bourreau (Portant un des Bois de la Croix) [The Helper Carrying One of the Boards of the Cross] from Passion, 1936

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Georges Rouault, Etching Aquatint, Aide-Bourreau (Portant un des Bois de la Croix) [The Helper Carrying One of the Boards of the Cross] from Passion, 1936

Rouault Etching Aquatint Signed, Aide-Bourreau (Portant un des Bois de la Croix) [The Helper Carrying One of the Boards of the Cross] from Passion, 1936

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Artist:	Rouault, Georges (1871 - 1958)
Title:	Aide-Bourreau (Portant un des Bois de la Croix) [The Helper Carrying One of the Boards of the Cross] from Passion, 1936
Medium:	Original Color Etching and Aquatint
Image Size:	12 1/2 in x 8 1/2 in (31.8 cm x 21.6 cm)
Sheet Size:	17 1/2 in x 13 3/8 in (44.5 cm x 34 cm)
Framed Size:	22 3/8 in x 18 1/8 in (56.8 cm x 46 cm)
Signed:	Hand-signed by Georges-Rouault in bluish black ink in the lower right margin; signed and dated in the plate 'GR 1935' in black in the lower left of the image.
Edition:	Rare, ink-signed progressive proof in black and grey printed on watermarked “verge de Montval” heavy cream colored laid paper; it is our belief that this proof accompanied the edition of 40 black ink impressions (from the total edition of 270).
Condition:	This work is in excellent condition, a rich impression with full margins.
Gallery Price	$7,500 Item# 2941
MFA SALE	50% Off: $3,750
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Endowed with a rich sense of emotionality, this rare, ink signed progressive proof is notable for its strong tonal contrasts between black and white that emphasize the imposing stature of its subject. We can almost sense Christ's impending doom through this powerful image of a man carrying one of the boards of the cross.
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Historical Description:
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Designed in Rouault's signature style of bold black contour lines, this work depicts a large, muscular man with his back turned to the viewer. As the title suggests, he slings a large wooden board, a piece of the cross, over his shoulders. Rouault depicts the man in profile, peeking out slightly from behind the board. He stands regally yet appears pensive, as if unsure of his purpose. Chapon implies that this male subject is the executioner's assistant, and he certainly appears as a foreboding figure, gigantic in size, looking off into the distance and anticipating the crucifixion of Christ. Created in 1936, this original color etching and aquatint was printed on watermarked "verge de Montval" cream colored laid paper. One of seventeen aquatints for André Suarès book of poems Passion. This work was printed by Roger Lacouriere, Paris and published by Ambroise Vollard. Signed in the plate with the artist's monogram, 'GR 1935' in black in the lower left side of the image and hand-signed by Georges Rouault (1871-1958) in bluish black ink in the lower right margin. This work is a rare, ink-signed progressive proof in black and grey; it is our belief that this proof accompanied the edition of 40 black ink impressions (from the total edition of 270). DOCUMENTED AND ILLUSTRATED IN: 1) Wofsy, Alan, Georges Rouault The Graphic Work, listed as cat no 353 on pg 104 with details on pg 101. 2) Chapon, François, The illustrated books by Rouault, 1992, image listed on pg 173 with details on pg. 162. About the Framing: Musuem-grade conservation framed in a glossy contemporary black and gold frame with silk mats and optical grade Plexiglas. The polished black surface of this frame accentuates the thick, bold lines of black in the work and further highlights the tonal contrasts within the piece.
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Biography of Georges Rouault

French expressionist and religious painter. Georges Rouault was the son of a cabinetmaker. Trained as a maker of stained-glass windows (1885-90) before studying at the School of Fine Arts in Paris where he was encouraged to develop his talent (1891-98). After his conversion to Roman Catholicism in 1895 he concentrated on Biblical themes in his paintings, etchings and lithographs. In 1905 he exhibited with the Fauves (Matisse, etc) but wasn't influenced by them. Instead he came under the broader expressionist school which dealt with intensely felt human emotions (Chaim Soutine, Edvard Munch, etc). Georges Rouault also painted scenes from the street, prostitutes, judges and tragic clowns as well as some still lifes. His style was basically melancholy, portraying the tragedy of the human condition, but with hope in Jesus.