Henri Rousseau (1844 - 1910) - photo 1

Henri Rousseau

Henri Rousseau was a remarkable French painter, whose work continues to captivate art collectors and experts. Born in Laval, France, in 1844, Rousseau's artistic journey was unconventional. He began painting later in life, around the age of forty, and was primarily self-taught. Despite a lack of formal training, Rousseau developed a unique style that set him apart in the art world.

Rousseau's paintings, characterized by their rich colors and detailed depiction of jungle scenes, wild animals, and exotic figures, marked him as the archetype of the modern naïve artist. He regularly exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants from 1886, gaining attention and admiration over time, especially for works like "Tiger in a Tropical Storm (Surprised!)" and "The Sleeping Gypsy". His art was distinctive for its dreamlike quality and its blend of fantasy and reality.

In 1905, Rousseau exhibited "The Hungry Lion Throws Itself on the Antelope" at the Salon des Indépendants, alongside works by avant-garde artists such as Henri Matisse, marking the first showing of The Fauves. This exhibition was a significant moment, as it highlighted Rousseau's influence on and connection with contemporary art movements. His work, particularly his jungle scenes, was a precursor to surrealism, seen in later artists like René Magritte.

Rousseau's art also included suburban landscapes of Paris, offering a tranquil and cultivated view of the city in contrast to the emotionally charged jungles. These works often included modern elements like smokestacks and telephone poles, yet maintained an eerie stillness, making the familiar appear strange.

A notable event in Rousseau's life was the banquet held in his honor by Pablo Picasso in 1908, an event that signified Rousseau's growing recognition and influence in the art world. This gathering was attended by many influential artists and writers of the time.

Rousseau continued to paint until his death in 1910. His final painting, "The Dream", was exhibited in the same year. Today, Rousseau's works are celebrated for their originality and imaginative quality, and can be found in major museums and galleries worldwide.

For art collectors and experts, Rousseau's work represents a unique blend of naïve art and modern artistic movements. His influence on subsequent artists and his distinct style make his paintings a valuable addition to any collection.

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Date and place of birt:21 may 1844, Laval, France
Date and place of death:2 september 1910, Paris, France
Nationality:France
Period of activity: XIX, XX century
Specialization:Artist, Painter
Art school / group:Société des artistes indépendants
Genre:Genre art, Landscape painting, Portrait, Still life
Art style:Modern art, Post-Impressionism, Primitivism, Naïve art
Henri Rousseau - Auction prices

Auction prices Henri Rousseau

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Creators France

Godefroy Engelmann I (1788 - 1839)
Godefroy Engelmann I
1788 - 1839
Jean Frédéric Schall (1752 - 1825)
Jean Frédéric Schall
1752 - 1825
Mathieu Kohler (1841 - 1916)
Mathieu Kohler
1841 - 1916
Mathieu Matégot (1910 - 2001)
Mathieu Matégot
1910 - 2001
Georges Vantongerloo (1886 - 1965)
Georges Vantongerloo
1886 - 1965
Bertrand Dorny (1931 - 2015)
Bertrand Dorny
1931 - 2015
Abel-Dominique Boyé (1864 - 1933)
Abel-Dominique Boyé
1864 - 1933
Jules Wengel (1865 - 1934)
Jules Wengel
1865 - 1934
Jules Dupré (1811 - 1889)
Jules Dupré
1811 - 1889
Adolf Izrailevich Milman (1886 - 1930)
Adolf Izrailevich Milman
1886 - 1930
Jean Giraud (1938 - 2012)
Jean Giraud
1938 - 2012
Pierre Szekely (1923 - 2001)
Pierre Szekely
1923 - 2001
Marie Bracquemond (1840 - 1916)
Marie Bracquemond
1840 - 1916
Ariel Moscovici (1956)
Ariel Moscovici
1956
Jules Robert Auguste (1789 - 1850)
Jules Robert Auguste
1789 - 1850
Tadeusz Gorecki (1825 - 1868)
Tadeusz Gorecki
1825 - 1868

Creators Modern art

Henri Biva (1848 - 1929)
Henri Biva
1848 - 1929
William Perehudoff (1918 - 2013)
William Perehudoff
1918 - 2013
Pavel Petrovich Leonov (1920 - 2011)
Pavel Petrovich Leonov
1920 - 2011
Elio Schiavon (1925 - 2004)
Elio Schiavon
1925 - 2004
Sonia Lewitska (1880 - 1937)
Sonia Lewitska
1880 - 1937
Heinz Glüsing (1920 - 2013)
Heinz Glüsing
1920 - 2013
Marcel Dzama (1974)
Marcel Dzama
1974
Christopher Wilmarth (1943 - 1987)
Christopher Wilmarth
1943 - 1987
Roberto Crippa (1921 - 1972)
Roberto Crippa
1921 - 1972
Elena Dmitrievna Polenova (1850 - 1898)
Elena Dmitrievna Polenova
1850 - 1898
Miklós Borsos (1906 - 1990)
Miklós Borsos
1906 - 1990
Konrad Cramer (1888 - 1963)
Konrad Cramer
1888 - 1963
Antoniucci Volti (1915 - 1989)
Antoniucci Volti
1915 - 1989
Marcel Duchamp (1887 - 1968)
Marcel Duchamp
1887 - 1968
Otto Wretling (1876 - 1971)
Otto Wretling
1876 - 1971
Alfred Vogel (1914)
Alfred Vogel
1914