Ambroise Vollard, Paris
Alexandre Farra, Paris
Theodore Schempp & Co., Paris
Acquired from the above in 1951 and thence by descent

Bernard Dorival & Isabelle Rouault, Rouault: l'oeuvre peint, vol. II, Monte Carlo, 1988, no. 1527, illustrated p. 83

Executed on buff colored wove paper mounted on canvas. There are a few areas of exposed paper that appear slightly time darkened. Under UV light there is a roughly six inch vertical tear extending from the center of the bottom edge which has been skillfully repaired. No other signs of inpainting apparent. This work is in good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Georges Rouault was the favorite student of Gustave Moreau and was likely influenced by his master's seminal work, L'apparition, in his later depictions of religious subject matter. Rouault complements his sacred subject with a Cloisonnist style in which the figure is delineated with black outlines and framed by a decorative border, evoking the imagery of stained glass. Unlike other artists who employed Cloisonnist technique however, Rouault employs boundless expressionistic brushstrokes that deconstruct forms and bring his artwork to the edge of abstraction.

Painted in 1939, the present work was one of the last pieces acquired by the renowned French art dealer Ambroise Vollard before he tragically died in a car accident.