Meaning: Georges Rouault, a French painter, printmaker, and ceramicist, made this profound statement about the inner turmoil and occasional elation experienced by artists. In this quote, Rouault beautifully captures the complex and often tumultuous nature of the artist's conscience.

Throughout history, artists have been known to grapple with their inner thoughts and emotions, often using their work as a means of self-expression and exploration. Rouault's comparison of the artist's conscience to an "incurable disease" is particularly striking, as it suggests that the artist's inner turmoil is a constant presence, much like a chronic illness that cannot be cured. This metaphor emphasizes the enduring and relentless nature of the artist's internal struggles.

Rouault's description of the artist's conscience causing "endless torment" speaks to the deep emotional and psychological burden that many artists carry. The creative process can be arduous and emotionally taxing, as artists often wrestle with self-doubt, existential questions, and the weight of their own experiences and observations. The phrase "endless torment" conveys the idea that the artist's conscience is a source of perpetual anguish, a relentless force that drives the artist to confront their innermost thoughts and feelings.

However, Rouault also acknowledges that amidst the torment, there are moments of "silent joy" that fill the artist. This juxtaposition of suffering and joy captures the dichotomous nature of the artistic experience. While the artist's conscience may be a source of torment, there are also moments of profound satisfaction and fulfillment that come from the act of creation. These moments of "silent joy" provide respite from the relentless turmoil, offering the artist a sense of peace and contentment that comes from the act of artistic expression.

Rouault's choice of the word "silent" to describe the joy experienced by the artist is significant, as it suggests a quiet and deeply personal form of happiness. This type of joy may not always be outwardly visible or readily apparent to others, but it is nonetheless a powerful and meaningful experience for the artist. The artist's silent joy may stem from a sense of accomplishment, the catharsis of creative expression, or the discovery of profound beauty in the act of creation.

Overall, Rouault's quote offers a poignant and introspective look at the inner world of the artist. It speaks to the enduring struggle and occasional triumph of the artist's conscience, capturing the profound emotional and psychological journey that artists undergo in their pursuit of creative expression. Through his words, Rouault provides a deeply empathetic and insightful perspective on the complex nature of artistic consciousness.