Henri Rousseau, born on May 21, 1844, in Laval, France, was a self-taught painter who became one of the most recognized figures in the Post-Impressionism movement, particularly known for his jungle scenes and his naive or primitive style. Here are some key points about his life and work:
Early Life
- Rousseau was born into a middle-class family. His father was a tinsmith, and his mother died when he was very young.
- He left school early to work with a notary and later joined the French army in 1863, serving for four years. This period in the army influenced his later paintings, particularly his military scenes.
Artistic Career
- After his military service, Rousseau worked as a customs officer (hence his nickname "Le Douanier" or "The Customs Officer"), which he did for 20 years. During this time, he began painting in his spare time, only seriously pursuing art after his retirement.
- Rousseau's artistic style was unique; he had no formal training and developed his own style, often described as naive or primitive. His works are characterized by flat, bright colors, unrealistic perspectives, and a dream-like quality.
- His most famous works include:
- Despite his lack of formal training, Rousseau's work was admired by several contemporary artists like Pablo Picasso, Robert Delaunay, and Henri Matisse. Picasso even hosted a banquet in his honor in 1908.
Legacy and Recognition
- During his lifetime, Rousseau was not widely recognized by the art establishment, often being mocked or overlooked. However, his posthumous reputation grew significantly, especially in the 20th century when his work was appreciated for its originality and its influence on modern art.
- His paintings are now celebrated for their imaginative landscapes, often featuring lush, exotic scenes that he could not have experienced firsthand, as he never left France.
- Rousseau's work has been influential in the development of Cubism and Surrealism, movements that appreciated his unconventional approach to space, color, and form.
Death
- Rousseau died on September 2, 1910, in Paris, from an infection related to a gangrenous leg, exacerbated by his refusal to seek medical help promptly.
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