Description:Portraying an embracing couple in a less than amorous depiction, Rouault creates a scene which reflects a sense of tension within the image. Utilizing dark blacks and textural areas, the images in this work are full of depth and volume.
Created in 1928, this original etching and aquatint is from the series of 22 etchings created for the Reincarnatons du Pere Ubu, published by Vollard in 1932. Signed by Rouault in brown ink in the lower right, this work is also signed and dated in the plate Rouault 1928. Numbered 92/225 in the lower left, this work is from State II (of III) before the cancelled plate. The work contains an ornate Crown and Shield Watermark and is printed on Van Gelder paper.
Inspired by the play written by Alfred Jarry, the publisher Vollard became obsessed with the fictional character Père Ubu, writing multiple sequels to Jarry's original text. A female figure kneels to the ground in this image, while embracing the standing male, both have their teeth bared in a sort of half-smile and half-grimace. As the figures gaze into each other's eyes, the surrounding area is barren with only a bit of ground visible at their feet. The modeling of the forms is heightened with extreme tonal shifts from dark black to light grey and textural elements created with line and cross-hatching. The scene is full of passion and moody elements, with light texture in the background and dark tones surrounding the edge of the page.
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) Chapon, François, Le livre des livres de Rouault, 1992, details on pg 50, image listed on pg 71.
2) Wofsy, Alan, Georges Rouault, The Graphic Work, 1976, details on pg 89, image listed as plate 305 on pg 94.
3) Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Georges Rouault, Catalogue Raisonné, details listed as cat no 109 on pg 166 and 167, image listed as plate XVII on pg 174.
4) Johnson, Una, Ambroise Vollard, Editeur, 1977, series listed as cat no 199 on pg 164.
5) Johnson, Una, Ambroise Vollard Editeur, 1944, series listed as cat no 175 on pg 147.
About the Framing:
Conservation framed with archival materials and museum quality, linen wrapped mattes, inner fillet, and Plexiglas cover.
