In a century that saw the division of art and religion, Rouault devoutly maintained this connection. He turned his brush not only to the religious narrative of Christ’s suffering, but also to the misfortune of those on the outskirts of society. Artistically, he aligned himself within the Fauvist movement, working and exhibiting alongside his friend and well-known Fauvist painter, Henri Matisse. He was a member of this modernist movement, despite his compositions that stood in contrast to the wildly colored artwork of his colleagues who sought to bring color into its own realm, establishing mood and providing structure. Rouault echoed this in his own way, keeping the characteristic dense brushstrokes while opting for a subdued and often monochrome palette to describe the suffering and humanity of his subjects.
