Artwork

Saint Guenole

Saint Guenole, by Pierre Roche, 1888
Saint Guenole, by Pierre Roche, 1888

Saint Guenole is a print by the Impressionist artist Pierre Roche. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Saint Guenole is a gypsograph print created by Pierre Roche in 1888. It is a work that showcases the artist's experimentation with relief printing in plaster.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene monk in black robes standing beside a stone wall, his face calm and hands clasped. The scene is imbued with a sense of tranquility, inviting contemplation.

Technique & Style

The gypsograph technique used here involves layering plaster to create a textured surface, giving the print a tactile quality. The raised bumps of color effectively convey the roughness of the monk's robe.

History & Provenance

Pierre Roche, a French artist trained at the Académie Julian under Alfred Roll, began exploring sculptural methods around this period. He exhibited at the Paris Salon during the mid-1880s, showcasing his diverse artistic skills.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Pierre Roche

Artist

Pierre Roche

Pierre Roche (Paris, 2 August 1855 – Paris, 18 January 1922), pseudonym of Pierre Henry Ferdinand Massignon, was a French sculptor, painter, ceramist and medallist.

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