Mademoiselle Irma

Born into an impoverished Parisian family, Rouault was apprenticed to a glass painter and restorer at the age of only fourteen before attending the École des Beaux-Arts in 1891. In 1905 Rouault exhibited at the Salon d’Automne in a collective known as the Fauve (Wild Beast) Group, headed by Matisse and distinguished by vivid use of vibrant colour, spontaneously executed.

During the decade before the Great War, Rouault developed themes in his art including depictions of the circus, prostitutes, law courts and religion. In 1913 the renowned art dealer Vollard purchased all of Rouault’s artistic output and four years later became his sole agent, setting him up in a studio and offering commissions. In the inter war period Rouault was best known for his popular prints. He died in 1958.