Georges Rouault’s Sacred Art Exhibition Highlights Humanity’s Tragedy

An exhibition by Georges Rouault, the greatest sacred art painter of our century, has arrived at the lakeside, in the hall of the historic Palazzina.

The «Miserere», fifty-eight etchings created with aquatint and other techniques, is a cycle completed in 1928 but published only twenty years later. It represents a kind of desperate cry from humanity against the immense and pointless tragedy of the Great War, an appeal to prevent the horrors committed in those dark and dramatic years from happening again.

Opinions on the exhibition and its significance

«A difficult exhibition, with a strong impact», clarified the curator Patrizia Nuzzo during yesterday morning’s inauguration of the show.

Georges Rouault was a deeply religious artist, disciple of Gustave Moreau, and friend of philosopher Jacques Maritain.

«In his engravings», recalled art critic Mauro Corradini, «there is focus more on being than appearances. He does not depict beauty but represents life through raw images».

Exhibition details and curator’s comments

«The municipal administration», Nuzzo continued, «dared to support this exhibition, which will remain open until January 31st, with hours from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm. On December 25th, 26th, 27th, and January 6th, from 3 pm to 7 pm, closed on Mondays».

«It seemed to us the fitting way to conclude the Holy Year», stated Walter Montresor, the cultural councilor.

«From our side, there was a significant economic effort, although not sufficient alone to cover the entire cost of the event (about sixty million lire, ed.). The significant contributions from Franke (represented yesterday by Ennio Felicetti) and the sponsorship of the Provincia di Verona were crucial».

Support and sponsorship

Called upon, Aleardo Merlin, the president, reaffirmed the interest that the province of Verona has for events of such caliber.

«For several years, the Province has been directly and significantly contributing to various cultural initiatives, aiming to promote exhibitions even outside the city limits».

The exhibition is also supported by Artantide.com and the Bellinzona gallery in Milan.