Le clown jaune Possibly 1930

Georges Rouault made this painting, Le clown jaune, with such incredible marks. Look at how he seems to have built up the image through layers of rapid brushstrokes. I imagine him working in a very physical, energetic way. See how Rouault uses just a few shades to define the figure of the clown, contrasting light and dark to give him shape. This technique makes the clown almost leap off the surface, but also creates a feeling of depth and shadow, particularly in his face and outfit. The texture feels almost sculptural. I'm reminded of artists like Daumier, who also captured the drama of human experience with bold, expressive gestures. Rouault seems to understand that art is never really finished; it’s always in process, inviting us to see and feel in new ways.