1962 Building

The Albright-Knox’s then-called Prints and Drawings Corridor featured an exhibition of two print series by French artist Georges Rouault. Considered a major figure not only in 20th century painting, but in modern printmaking as well, Rouault was commissioned by publisher and art dealer Ambroise Vollard to do several series of prints and book illustrations. The artist’s unorthodox use of the etching and aquatint mediums resulted in works of unprecedented color harmonies and expressive power. The museum acquired two of Rouault’s series Cirque de l’etoile filante and Passion, in 1939, the same year of Vollard’s death.

Rouault gained this sensitivity to life’s uncertainty early — he was born in 1871 during the period known as the Commune, while Paris was under bombardment by government troops. Apprenticed at age 14 to a stained-glass maker, he enrolled in 1891 in the Ecole des Beaux-Art. He began studies with Gustave Moreau in 1892, experiencing personal and professional crises following Moreau’s death. He emerged with a transformed vision and essentially expressionist style, and began recording life events through drawings or the use of watercolor and gouache on paper. He helped found the Salon d’Automue in 1903, and exhibited there regularly until 1908. The major turning point in his career came in 1913, when Vollard bought his entire production and became his exclusive dealer.

This exhibition was organized by Curator Cheryl Brutvan.