Description:Depicting a bold and colorful composition of a striking image, the intimate scale of this work adds a sense of quietude and reflection on the subject matter. Illustrating Baudelaire's grave, the artist chooses to stray from a somber palette in turn for bright, luminous colors.
Created in 1936, this original color aquatint was printed on Montval paper with the Aristide Maillol seated nude watermark. One of twelve color aquatints for the Baudelaire text, 'Les Fleurs du Mal', this work was printed by Roger Lacourière for Ambroise Vollard. Signed in the plate with the artist's monogram, 'GR 1936', in the lower right side of the image, this work was printed in an edition of 250 impressions.
Designed in Rouault's unique signature style of bold black contour lines and thick painterly applications of color, this work depicts Baudelaire's grave with a sense of celebratory reflection. The pale earth tones of the tombstone in combination with bright green grass and a vibrant blue sky, give an air of lightness and commemorate the noted author in a pleasant good-hearted fashion. The surrounding ground and horizon are a combination of bright reds and deep blues, adding warmth and depth to the image. The painterly quality of the work gives a textural appearance and adds to the emotive sensation of the imagery.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that I will enclose with the sale of the work) :
1) Wofsy, Alan, Georges Rouault The Graphic Work, listed as cat no 283 on pg 87 with details on pg 84.
2) Chapon, François, The illustrated books by Rouault, 1992, image listed on pg 139 with details on pg 128.
