The artwork entitled “Slaughter,” created by Georges Rouault in 1905, belongs to the Expressionism movement and is categorized under the genre of genre painting. In this complex and evocative piece, Rouault portrays a scene imbued with emotional intensity and social commentary, a hallmark of the Expressionist style.
The artwork depicts a group of figures, presumably spectators or participants in the titular slaughter. The scene is characterized by a chaotic and tumultuous atmosphere, accentuated by Rouault’s bold, expressive brushstrokes and his use of dark, moody colors. The figures, drawn in a style reminiscent of caricature, are imbued with a sense of grotesque realism, emphasizing the brutality and dehumanization suggested by the title. Their exaggerated features and distorted forms convey a powerful emotional experience, inviting viewers to reflect on the grim subject matter. The background elements and surrounding environment are sketched in a way that complements the tumultuous nature of the scene. This work stands as a significant example of Rouault’s masterful ability to fuse social critique with artistic expression.
