Rouault did not become seriously involved in printmaking until 1916 when the publisher and dealer, Ambroise Vollard encouraged Rouault to undertake an ambitious series of book projects. Rouault devoted much of his time to these graphic works until Vollard's death in 1939. "The Passion" was conceived of and fully funded by Vollard; it was in fact, the last book he ever issued. Rouault's 17 aquatints and 82 wood engravings were accompanied by 24 prose and verse pieces written by his friend, André Suarès. The central theme of the text is not Christ's story but rather Christ's suffering during his last days on earth. Although Rouault and Suarès did not share the same strong Catholic beliefs, they both believed in the importance of suffering in the life of man.