L'Hiver (from the series 'Miserere')
Print (Etching with aquatint), mounted on paper/cardboard • Georges Rouault (French, 1871–1958)
Style & Movement
Expressionism / Fauvism influence / Religious Modernism
Medium & Technique
Etching, aquatint, and drypoint on Vergé d'Arches paper; helio-gravure base refined with hand-worked copper plate tools
Creation Period
Plate executed between 1922 and 1927; published in 1948
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 51 x 36 cm (plate); Vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A somber, figurative composition depicting two or three figures huddled together, likely representing suffering, labor, or the cycle of winter/poverty. The heavy black outlines and compartmentalized zones of light mimic the leading in stained glass, a signature of the artist's style.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the print shows consistent tonal values with some apparent darkening of the paper border (toning) near the mat edge.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 – $3,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,200 – $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Originally part of the 'Miserere' suite commissioned by Ambroise Vollard; likely passed through private collections or galleries specializing in 20th-century French prints.
Art Historical Significance
The 'Miserere' series is considered Rouault's graphic masterpiece. It reflects the post-WWI era's spiritual angst and the artist's deep Catholic faith, blending modern expressionism with medieval aesthetic traditions.
Notable Features
Monogram 'GR' visible in the lower right of the plate; characteristic thick, gestural line work; high contrast between the bone-white highlights and velvet-black aquatint shadows.
Condition Issues
Visible mat burn and light foxing may be present; slight undulation of paper; some yellowing to the support board typical of mid-century framing.
Conservation Recommendations
Use of archival acid-free matting; UV-protective museum glass; maintain a stable environment with 50% humidity to prevent further paper degradation.