c. 1938

Christ

French, 1871 - 1958

Heavily applied pigments, dense black outlines, and radiant hues are the hallmarks of Georges Rouault’s expressionistic style. In this Crucifixion scene—one of several painted by the artist in the long span of his career—these elements become visual metaphors for Christ’s sacrificed flesh, the torture he endured on the cross, and the promise of worldwide salvation through his ultimate resurrection. Rouault, a devout Catholic, also extended his study of human sorrow beyond religious imagery to depictions of modern society, as in his portrayals of melancholy clowns and downtrodden prostitutes.