The Abandoned

Georges-Henri Rouault was a French painter, draughtsman, and printmaker, whose work is often associated with Fauvism and Expressionism.

L 'Abandonne is a work by Georges Rouault, exploring humanitarian and religious concerns. The work attempts to evoke empathy, which is in line with Gustave Moreau’s "inner vision" and often contrasts with Matisse's ideal of ease. The painting, as a composite process of etching on paper, overlaying oil paint and mounting on a wooden board, features thick outlines like "lead strips" and a grid-like contrast of light and shade. Scholars believe that this image is related to his background as a colored window apprentice and his printmaking training. Scholars relate this work’s redemptive tone to Miserere et Guerre, a multi-plate black-and-white print series that Rouault developed after World War I and later described as a summation of suffering answered by a plea for mercy since both are interpreted as deeply humanitarian.