Rolla 1878

Henri Gervex painted 'Rolla' in 1878, capturing a pivotal moment inspired by Alfred de Musset's poem. This image was originally refused by the Salon for its scandalous depiction of a nude woman and themes of moral decay. The painting encapsulates a specific, and very male, perspective on the era’s societal anxieties. The male figure, Laurent de Rolla, gazes out from a balcony as if contemplating his actions, while the woman lies lifelessly on the bed, her nudity vulnerable to the viewer’s gaze. Gervex's painting is not just a depiction of a scene, but also a commentary on the power dynamics between men and women, particularly in the context of bourgeois society. 'Rolla' embodies the complexities of desire and consequence, mirrored in the intimate scene and the distant cityscape. It forces us to reflect on the lasting impact of such images and the stories they tell about gender, class, and morality.