Artwork

Ubu Roi

Ubu Roi, by Alfred Jarry, ink, 1894
Ubu Roi, by Alfred Jarry, ink, 1894

Ubu Roi is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Alfred Jarry. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Ubu Roi is a print created by Alfred Jarry in 1894 using a photomechanical process on pink wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a surreal scene with simplified forms, featuring stick-like figures and a giant head with wild hair, evoking a dreamlike or satirical atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Jarry employed bold black lines and solid areas to define shapes, adopting a style that challenged conventional representations of reality.

Context

The use of a photomechanical process and bold, simplified forms was innovative for its time, reflecting Jarry's experimentation with visual expression.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alfred Jarry

Artist

Alfred Jarry

Alfred Jarry (1894–1894) was an artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.