Profil. by Georges Rouault, 1871-1958

Georges Rouault, 1871-1958
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Profil.

Original aquatint over heliogravure, with added colouring by hand. 1919. Extremely rare, probably unique trial proof of the earliest trial state of this composition, with added colouring by hand. Inscribed (probably by the printer for Vollard) as: Suite d'Ubu - pl. d'essai en couleurs - pièce unique (trial proof in colours - unique piece). Trial proof for 1st issue of the 'Père Ubu' series, 1919, before the subsequent extensive reworking in 1928. The edition of 305 impressions of the reworked state was issued in the series: Réincarnations du Père Ubu, by Ambroise Vollard Paris 1932.
Ref: I.Rouault - Rouault Oeuvre Gravé 14, (see proof state a).

Extremely fine proof impression with added colour. On smooth wove MBM Inalterable paper. Excellent original condition. Original approx. 1/2ins Margins. Plate: 12 1/8 x 7 7/8ins.

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This exceptionally rare proof dates from the period of Rouault?s first trial impressions for the ?Père Ubu? series in 1919. The project was subsequently abandoned and then taken-up again in 1928 when the 1919 plates were extensively reworked. This proof is before all the later reworking, with just some aquatint over the heliogravure. In addition it is overworked with colour washes by hand, perhaps as an idea for a colour edition which was never pursued. In this form it is unique.

?Profil? is one of the most striking compositions in the ?Père Ubu? series, and the added colour greatly enhances the power of the image.

The theme of the ?Père Ubu? compositions is that of Rouault?s disdain for the pettiness of the bourgeoisie and its lack of moral standing. His illustrations are however very much more meaningful than the text from which they were inspired. This text was an attempt by Vollard to recreate the characters of Jarry?s Ubu Roi, which totally fails as literature. However Rouault?s compositions have a magisterial stature.