standing figure viewed from knees up wearing green/brown strapless dress; green background

%C2%A9 2014 Artists Rights Society %28ARS%29%2C New York %2F ADAGP%2C Paris

Circus Performer, 1906

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Rouault’s early training as a maker of stained-glass windows left a permanent mark on his art. Often sections of color are divided by strong outlines akin to the leading on church windows. In 'Circus Performer', such heavy divisions are seen particularly along the contours of the woman’s shoulders and legs, as well as on her chest and around her head. Though the scene is in the undefined space of some klieg-lit arena, the color recalls the play of light in the shadowy aisles of a medieval church—glorious transparent blues, rosy pinks, and shimmering yellows amid looming, mysterious surroundings.

Details
Title
Circus Performer
Artist Life
1871–1958
Role
Painter
Accession Number
81.127
Provenance
Ambroise Vollard (1867-1939), Paris (in 1921).* Alice M. O'Brien, Marine-on-St.-Croix, Minnesota (by 1945-d. 1962); her niece, Mrs. Richard S. (Julia O'Brien) Wilcox, Jr., Marine-on-St.-Croix, Minnesota (1962-81; gave to MIA) *Vollard bought all the works in Rouault's studio in 1913, and became the artist's exclusive agent in 1917
Curator Approved

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standing figure viewed from knees up wearing green/brown strapless dress; green background

© 2014 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

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