The Judge

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The Judge

Artist Georges Rouault (French, 1871-1958)

Place of OriginFrance

Dateabout 1937

DimensionsPainting: 31 1/8 × 22 7/8 in. (79.1 × 58.1 cm)
Frame: 38 3/8 × 30 3/8 × 3 1/8 in. (97.5 × 77.2 × 7.9 cm)

MediumOil on canvas

ClassificationPaintings

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1948.63

Not on View

Label TextJustice and judgment are recurring themes in Georges Rouault’s work. Well noted for his religious subjects, he produced a number of images based on the story of Christ. Following the invitation of a friend to observe the proceedings of a courtroom, the artist produced 23 canvases of lawyers, judges, and defendants. Discussing his portrayal of judges, Rouault noted, “If I have made of the judges lamentable figures, it is no doubt because I was betraying the anguish that I feel at the sight of one human being having to judge another. I would not be a judge for all the wealth and happiness in the world.” Rouault’s dark, thick lines and powerful use of color are reminiscent of medieval stained-glass windows, which he was employed to restore early in his career. The brash, energetic brushstrokes, imposing but simplified figures, and emotional content of Rouault’s work connect him to the personal style of Expressionism.Published ReferencesCollege Art Journal, vol. 16, no. 4, Summer 1957, p. 338, repr.

Toledo Museum of Art, The Toledo Museum of Art, European Paintings, Toledo, 1976, pp. 144-145, pl. 299.

Exhibition HistoryLugano, Museo d'Arte Moderna, Georges Rouault, 1997, no. 48, p. 231, repr. p. 93, (col.).