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.

Stay updated on new discoveries and sales related to Henri Rousseau by signing up for our updates. Please note, this subscription is specifically for alerts on new product sales and auction events related to Henri Rousseau.

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

All lots

Creators France

Romaine Brooks (1874 - 1970)
Romaine Brooks
1874 - 1970
Maurice Esteve (1904 - 2001)
Maurice Esteve
1904 - 2001
Jules-Frédéric Ballavoine (1842 - 1914)
Jules-Frédéric Ballavoine
1842 - 1914
Victor Gabriel Gilbert (1847 - 1933)
Victor Gabriel Gilbert
1847 - 1933
Louis-Pierre Deseine (1749 - 1822)
Louis-Pierre Deseine
1749 - 1822
William Gerard Barry (1864 - 1941)
William Gerard Barry
1864 - 1941
Gilles Bensimon (1944)
Gilles Bensimon
1944
Louise Abbema (1853 - 1927)
Louise Abbema
1853 - 1927
Henri Alfred Jacquemart (1824 - 1896)
Henri Alfred Jacquemart
1824 - 1896
Jean-Baptiste Bertrand (1823 - 1887)
Jean-Baptiste Bertrand
1823 - 1887
Domenico Tempesti (1652 - 1737)
Domenico Tempesti
1652 - 1737
Zygmunt Menkes (1896 - 1986)
Zygmunt Menkes
1896 - 1986
Philippe Caffiéri (1714 - 1774)
Philippe Caffiéri
1714 - 1774
Auguste Couder (1790 - 1873)
Auguste Couder
1790 - 1873
Jules Chéret (1836 - 1932)
Jules Chéret
1836 - 1932
 Ernest-Stanislas Blanc-Garin (1843 - 1916)
Ernest-Stanislas Blanc-Garin
1843 - 1916

Creators Modern art

Konstantin Gorbatov (1876 - 1945)
Konstantin Gorbatov
1876 - 1945
André Dunoyer de Segonzac (1884 - 1974)
André Dunoyer de Segonzac
1884 - 1974
Charles William Bartlett (1860 - 1940)
Charles William Bartlett
1860 - 1940
Corrado Giuseppe Parducci (1900 - 1981)
Corrado Giuseppe Parducci
1900 - 1981
Torborg Lindberg-Karlsson (1908 - 1980)
Torborg Lindberg-Karlsson
1908 - 1980
Anselmo Bucci (1887 - 1955)
Anselmo Bucci
1887 - 1955
Angelo Mangiarotti (1921 - 2012)
Angelo Mangiarotti
1921 - 2012
John Richards (1831 - 1889)
John Richards
1831 - 1889
Louis Fortuney (1875 - 1951)
Louis Fortuney
1875 - 1951
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith (1940)
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
1940
Georges-Emile Lebacq (1876 - 1950)
Georges-Emile Lebacq
1876 - 1950
Maurice Esteve (1904 - 2001)
Maurice Esteve
1904 - 2001
Tomi Ungerer (1931 - 2019)
Tomi Ungerer
1931 - 2019
Vasyl Mikhailovich Khmeluk (1903 - 1986)
Vasyl Mikhailovich Khmeluk
1903 - 1986
René Portocarrero (1912 - 1985)
René Portocarrero
1912 - 1985
Enrico Prampolini (1894 - 1956)
Enrico Prampolini
1894 - 1956
× Create a Search Subscription