Gustave Moreau et Georges Rouault: FiliationClosed

Paris at the end of 19 century.
The tale of "a beautiful bond between master and disciple, – Moreau and Rouault."

The great French Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau (1826-1898) nurtured some of the finest artists of the era while serving as professor at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. They included Henri Matisse and Albert Marquet, but one student in particular inspired him more than anybody else: Georges Rouault (1871-1958), considered the finest religious artist of the 20th century. Moreau saw the enormous potential Rouault possessed and tirelessly contributed to his artistic development. It was from Moreau that Rouault inherited the feel for materials and clarity of vision that he would later perfect in his works.
Moreau and Rouault shared a bond that went beyond that of a normal teacher-student relationship, as attested by their written correspondence. In it, Moreau refers to Rouault as “my son,” while the latter responds in kind by addressing his teacher as “my great father.” Even in death, Moreau continued to guide his prize student by appointing Rouault as the inaugural director of the Gustave Moreau Museum in his will. Rouault never forgot the kindness shown to him by his spiritual father, who had a profound impact on his art and life.
The exhibition, directed by Gustave Moreau Museum Director Marie-Cécile Forest, marks both the 10th anniversary of the Panasonic Shiodome Museum and the first ever exhibit in the world to focus equally on Moreau and Rouault. On display are over 70 oil paintings, sketches, letters, and other items, a portion of which are on loan from France. These include never-before-seen paintings from Moreau’s final years and Rouault’s works from his art school days, many being showcased in Japan for the first time. The displayed items trace the artistic and personal correspondence between Moreau and Rouault in intimate detail.