Génie de la Douleur (1874-1885)

Dated 1874-1885, "Génie de la Douleur" is an artwork by Jean-Paul Laurens. Mythology, a short history: Mythological painting draws on stories from Greek and Roman myth, and on other traditions such as Norse, Celtic, and Hindu narrative. In European academies, history and mythological subjects ranked highest among painting genres, so they often appear on a large scale and with ambitious compositions. Historical background, 1874-1885: Japanese prints reached Europe in large numbers and influenced many artists, while photography changed what painting needed to do. In the 1890s, colour lithography and Art Nouveau made the illustrated poster a celebrated art form. The catalogue places it in Mythology. The format is square.

Buying "Génie de la Douleur" means getting a digital file, not a physical print: Digital JPEG + PDF files, 300 DPI, delivered by email once payment is confirmed. A 300 DPI file is intended for printing at home or at a local print shop, where you can choose a matte, satin, or fine-art paper to suit the room. A square format is flexible and works well on its own or as part of a grid on a gallery wall. A simple frame with a mat often helps an image settle comfortably into a room. Screens and printers render colour differently, so a small test print is a sensible way to check tones before committing to a large size. Matte and fine-art papers reduce glare in bright rooms, while glossy papers give stronger contrast and deeper blacks. Hang the print away from direct sunlight, which over the years can fade any printed colour.

French, 1838–1921

If you like the visual language of Jean-Paul Laurens, explore more works by the same artist in our collection.