Henri Rousseau
Henri Rousseau: A Self-Taught Master of Naive Art
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Henri Julien Félix Rousseau was born on May 21, 1844, in Laval, France. He is also known as Le Douanier (The Customs Officer), a nickname given to him due to his occupation before becoming an artist.
Birth and Death Dates
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May 21, 1844 - September 29, 1910
Nationality and Profession(s)
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French, Artist (Painter)
Henri Rousseau was a French painter who is considered one of the greatest artists of the Naive Art movement. Despite having no formal artistic training, he developed a unique style that blended elements of Romanticism, Realism, and Primitivism.
Early Life and Background
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Rousseau's early life was marked by poverty and hardship. He grew up in Laval, where his father worked as a blacksmith. After completing his primary education, Rousseau joined the French army in 1863 but contracted rheumatoid arthritis, which forced him to leave the military. To support himself, he took on various jobs, including working as a toll collector (hence the nickname "The Customs Officer").
Major Accomplishments
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Rousseau's artistic talent was discovered by chance when one of his paintings, _War_, was exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants in 1885. The painting caught the attention of Paul Gauguin and other prominent artists of the time, who recognized Rousseau's unique style. This exposure led to his acceptance into the Académie Julian, where he studied alongside other notable artists.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Rousseau's most famous works include:
_Surprised!_ (1897), a painting that depicts a woman who has been surprised by a snake in the jungle.
_The Dream_ (1910), a painting that showcases Rousseau's ability to evoke emotions and create a sense of mystery.
Rousseau was also known for his love of nature and his desire to capture its beauty on canvas. He spent much of his life exploring the French countryside, studying plants, and observing animals.
Impact and Legacy
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Henri Rousseau's impact on the art world cannot be overstated. His unique style, which blended elements of Naive Art with more conventional techniques, paved the way for future generations of artists. Today, he is recognized as one of the most important figures in 20th-century art.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Rousseau's quotes and writings are not widely available due to his humble nature and lack of formal education. However, his life story has inspired countless artists, writers, and musicians. His determination to pursue his passion for art despite the odds against him serves as a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance.
In conclusion, Henri Rousseau was a self-taught artist who left an indelible mark on the art world. His unique style, which blended elements of Naive Art with more conventional techniques, paved the way for future generations of artists. Today, he is recognized as one of the most important figures in 20th-century art.
Quotes by Henri Rousseau
The principal problem I had during the five years I ran the Caisse – and I bet you that it will be the same problem for my successor – is the retention, recruitment and training of competent personnel.
There are two ways of expressing things; one is to show them crudely, the other is to evoke them artistically.
When I go out into the countryside and see the sun and the green and everything flowering, I say to myself “Yes indeed, all that belongs to me!”
The first man to fence in a piece of land, saying “this is mine” and who found people simple enough to believe him, was the real founder of civil society.
When I go out into the countryside and see the sun and the green and everything flowering, I say to myself "Yes indeed, all that belongs to me!"
