Fleur du Mal 1925 - 1927

Curator: Welcome. Today, we’re looking at “Fleur du Mal,” a striking etching by Georges Rouault, created sometime between 1925 and 1927. Editor: It has such an austere feel. The severe lines and monochrome palette give it a stark, almost haunting presence. It's a commanding profile. Curator: Rouault often engaged with the themes of moral decay and societal critique. "Fleur du Mal," French for "Flower of Evil," a direct reference to Baudelaire's famous collection of poetry, embodies that. She is more than just a portrait; she's a symbol. Editor: I can see that in the bold contrast. The deep blacks of the etching create a shadowy backdrop that throws the subject’s face into a harsh light, highlighting her features with incredible detail. It’s unsettling but fascinating. Curator: Rouault was deeply affected by the social injustices and moral ambiguities of his time. Much of his work was shown in the context of social upheaval and war. We can interpret that the jewels here are meant as a commentary on the corrupting influence of wealth and beauty, particularly during the Interwar period. Editor: What do you think of his treatment of the lines? Look how expressive those contour lines are—particularly around the eye and jawline. They're almost caricatural, yet they capture a complex humanity. Curator: Absolutely. You see this in other works by Rouault, the influence of his early training as a stained glass maker shines through. And certainly his experience in caricature as well, the ways in which that medium was used for political and social critique, those things also influence his printmaking style. Editor: Seeing those influences makes this image even more powerful, a culmination of technique and experience for him. It's almost like looking at a modern-day icon. Curator: Precisely, and this fusion of formal elements with sharp social commentary renders Rouault's print both aesthetically intriguing and intellectually engaging. It holds so much meaning for such a small image. Editor: This has given me a lot to consider in the formal dynamics and cultural dimensions in Rouault's work! Curator: And it shows just how deeply social forces can influence not only the themes but the very aesthetic fabric of art.