Faubourg des Longues Peines (La Pauvre Famille) 1929

Georges Rouault created this aquatint titled ‘Faubourg des Longues Peines (La Pauvre Famille)’ at an unknown date. Rouault lived through both World Wars and the rise of industrialization, witnessing immense social change and inequality. The artwork is from a series called ‘Miserere’, which focuses on themes of suffering, poverty, and social injustice. Rouault's deep Catholic faith and his concern for the marginalized are very clear here. The title itself, translating to "Suburb of Long Sorrows", evokes a sense of endless hardship. The figures are cloaked in darkness and seem trapped in their environment. We see a family grouping, but there is also a sense of isolation. The aquatint technique enhances the emotional weight, with its stark contrasts and textured surfaces. Rouault is not offering us a traditional, heroic narrative, but rather, is showing us the harsh realities faced by many. The image creates a space for reflection on social responsibility, reminding us of the human cost of poverty and neglect. It emphasizes the enduring need for empathy in the face of social disparity.