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

Ludovico Dorigny (1654 - 1742)
Ludovico Dorigny
1654 - 1742
Robert le Berger (1905 - 1972)
Robert le Berger
1905 - 1972
Jacques-Léonard Maillet (1823 - 1894)
Jacques-Léonard Maillet
1823 - 1894
Akbar Padamsee (1928 - 2020)
Akbar Padamsee
1928 - 2020
Nikolay Konstantinovich Kalmakov (1873 - 1955)
Nikolay Konstantinovich Kalmakov
1873 - 1955
Claude Gillot (1673 - 1722)
Claude Gillot
1673 - 1722
François Rémond (1747 - 1812)
François Rémond
1747 - 1812
Christian Boltanski (1944 - 2021)
Christian Boltanski
1944 - 2021
Roger Bissière (1886 - 1964)
Roger Bissière
1886 - 1964
Zao Wou-Ki (1920 - 2013)
Zao Wou-Ki
1920 - 2013
Adolphe Martial-Potémont (1827 - 1883)
Adolphe Martial-Potémont
1827 - 1883
René Lalique (1860 - 1945)
René Lalique
1860 - 1945
Gustave-Henri Jossot (1866 - 1951)
Gustave-Henri Jossot
1866 - 1951
Yves Saint Laurent (1936 - 2008)
Yves Saint Laurent
1936 - 2008
Ernest Cornélis Ary Renan (1857 - 1900)
Ernest Cornélis Ary Renan
1857 - 1900
Bernard Réquichot (1929 - 1961)
Bernard Réquichot
1929 - 1961

Creators Modern art

Adolf Behrman (1876 - 1943)
Adolf Behrman
1876 - 1943
Sigmund Walter Hampel (1867 - 1949)
Sigmund Walter Hampel
1867 - 1949
Fritz von Graevenitz (1892 - 1959)
Fritz von Graevenitz
1892 - 1959
Anna Barbara Aemisegger-Giezendanner (1831 - 1905)
Anna Barbara Aemisegger-Giezendanner
1831 - 1905
Leopold Franz Kowalski (1856 - 1931)
Leopold Franz Kowalski
1856 - 1931
Sonia Lewitska (1880 - 1937)
Sonia Lewitska
1880 - 1937
Jakob Savinšek (1922 - 1961)
Jakob Savinšek
1922 - 1961
Frank Eugene (1865 - 1936)
Frank Eugene
1865 - 1936
Giuseppe Lamers (1966)
Giuseppe Lamers
1966
Amandus Faure (1874 - 1931)
Amandus Faure
1874 - 1931
Hermann Ernst Friedrich Garling (1892 - 1961)
Hermann Ernst Friedrich Garling
1892 - 1961
Vladimir Vasil'evich Sterligov (1904 - 1973)
Vladimir Vasil'evich Sterligov
1904 - 1973
Sigmar Polke (1941 - 2010)
Sigmar Polke
1941 - 2010
Fernand Maillaud (1862 - 1948)
Fernand Maillaud
1862 - 1948
Leonid Yakovlevich Mezheritski (1930 - 2007)
Leonid Yakovlevich Mezheritski
1930 - 2007
Emile Thysebaert (1873 - 1963)
Emile Thysebaert
1873 - 1963