The Abbey Art Collection
Seek Things Above

Providing a window into the art world of Mount Angel Abbey.

Beckoned by Beauty: A New Creation

Gouache Paintings by Jean Lambert-Rucki

Throughout the year, we focus on different pieces from the Abbey art collection. If you are inspired by seeing and learning about the art, please visit again.

Quarterly Virtual Exhibit: January, April, July, October

Who is Lambert-Rucki?

Lambert-Rucki (1888–1967), a Polish avant-garde artist, sculptor, and graphic artist, was best known for his participation in the Cubist, Surrealist, and Art Deco movements. In his early life, he worked in diverse styles and media influenced by folk dancing and tribal arts while attending the School of Fine Arts in Kraków. From 1930, Lambert-Rucki became one of the pioneers of Modern Religious Art. In 1931, he became an active member of the Union des Artistes Modernes (UAM), where he exhibited alongside René Herbst, Charles-Edouard Jeanneret (Le Corbusier), Robert Mallet-Stevens, the architect Georges-Henri Pingusson, and Jean Fouquet in exhibits that emphasized design over decoration. Jean Lambert-Rucki became a naturalized French citizen in 1932 and continued his work in France until his death in 1967.

[Wikipedia contributors. “Jean Lambert-Rucki.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 20 Oct. 2024. Web. 17 Dec. 2024.]

What is Gouache?

Gouache is a paint medium that uses heavy natural pigment, water, and a binder (usually gum arabic). Like watercolor, the pigments used in gouache are ground into a powder, but the powder particles are larger and denser than those used in watercolor, resulting in a greater opacity. Gouache and similar mediums have been used in art for many centuries, but the name “gouache” to describe this medium was first used in the 18^th century.

What is the style of art used in this exhibit?

Recalling that Lambert-Rucki became a naturalized French citizen in 1932, these pieces suggest several stylistic influences dominant at the time in Paris: Cubism, Surrealism, and Art Deco. The realistic and romantic imagery from earlier decades was abandoned in favor of graphic, highly stylized, and decorative imagery. Artists sought to produce something new rather than copy the existing beauty of creation. Art historians often note the influence of the Great War as well as World War II on European idealism in art and culture. In many ways the apparent naiveté of the 19th century was shattered.

Painting descriptions by Fr. Nathan Zodrow, OSB.

Flight into Egypt

Framed: 12″ x 13.5″ | Gouache on Paper | Signed: Lambert-Rucki 60

Two figures representing the Mother of God and the Child Jesus sit astride a donkey being led uphill by St. Joseph to safety in Egypt. The solid black background is sprinkled with white stars, reminiscent of the night sky of Bethlehem. The vibrant colored grasses and flowers suggest that nature itself recognizes the Messiah and offers praise and welcome along the journey.

Christ Child in the Cradle

Framed: 11.75″ x 9″ | Gouache on Paper | Signed: Lambert-Rucki

Mary sits to the right of the Christ Child. The background is blue gray with white stars. Three birds sit on a gray structure while the bright white star of Bethlehem shines on the child. Among the unusual aspects of this piece is its coloration, i.e., Mary dressed in vibrant green, and the child in a pattern of gray and white. These changes, among others, suggest a breaking away from the typical code of iconographic meaning established over the centuries in both East and West.

The Nativity of Jesus

Framed: 17.5″ x 11.5″ | Gouache on paper | Signed: Lambert-Rucki

A white and black gouache drawing depicting the Holy Family being serenaded by a man with a flute. The abstract rendering of a stable is occupied by a mule, cow, and three black birds. At the upper left is a black circle containing a white seven-point star directed toward the stable rather than the Christ Child. The piece is heavily influenced by Surrealism and Cubism.

Adoration of Christ Child with Animals

Framed: 12.5″ x 9.5″ | Gouache on paper | Signed: (L-R) Lambert-Rucki

This strong graphic is set against a black background with a white star and rays pointing to Jesus. Figures of a donkey in the background and an ox standing in the foreground dominate the piece. Interestingly, the Christ Child raises his left hand in blessing from the manger. Blessings are normally given with the right hand while the left hand is over the chest. Could Jesus simply be showing affection to the donkey with his left hand?

Mary with Child Seated on Her Lap

Framed: 16″ x 9.5″ | Gouache on paper | Signed:Lambert-Rucki

This painting captures Mary and the Child Jesus seated on a stylized bench in fine patterned clothing. Mary, with raised arms, looks lovingly on the child. Both Mary and the Child Jesus have outstretched arms in the orans position (i.e., the position of liturgical prayer). A green and white bird is located slightly above and to the left of Mary giving the impression of announcing news. The background is black with white stars, including the star of Bethlehem.

Mary with Child Enthroned

Framed: 9″ x 6.5″ | Gouache on paper | Signed:Lambert-Rucki

Stylized line drawing of Mary and the Child Jesus both sitting on the throne of heaven with arms outstretched in prayer and blessing. The main image is flanked to the left by a bird and to the right by a kneeling angel indicating the integration of heaven and earth. The child is wearing a decorated blue garment against a black background.

Curator’s Note

Thank you for viewing our winter virtual exhibit!

If you know someone who may enjoy our exhibits, please pass the link on to them.

To see more of the Mount Angel Abbey Art Collection, please see the archive links below.

If you have a comment about this exhibit, or would like to add someone or take yourself off our “exhibit alert” email list, please contact us at theartcollection@mtangel.edu.

– Fr. Nathan Zodrow, OSB, Abbey Art Curator

The Abbey Art Collection Seek Things Above