Artwork
Saint Guenole

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

















