Dura lex sed lex 1926

"Dura lex sed lex" is a 1926 lithograph by French artist Georges Rouault (1871-1958). The print depicts a figure in profile, likely a portrait, with a dark, heavily stylized face set against a muted background. The work exemplifies Rouault's distinctive style, characterized by thick, expressive lines, dark tonalities, and a sense of psychological depth. Rouault's art often addressed themes of suffering, morality, and the human condition, reflecting his deep religious beliefs. "Dura lex sed lex", meaning "The law is harsh, but it is the law", suggests the figure's contemplation of a weighty moral issue.