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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Leon Bakst (1866 - 1924)
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Evgenia Georgievna Lopukhina-Kamchatova (1893 - 1965)
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Nikos Kessanlis (1930 - 2004)
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Ilya Grigoryevich Erenburg (Ehrenburg) (1891 - 1967)
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Iba N'Diaye
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María Gutiérrez Blanchard (1881 - 1932)
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Gustave Miklos
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Nikolay Konstantinovich Kalmakov (1873 - 1955)
Nikolay Konstantinovich Kalmakov
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André Breton (1896 - 1966)
André Breton
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Peter Grain (1785 - 1857)
Peter Grain
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Alphonse de Neuville (1836 - 1885)
Alphonse de Neuville
1836 - 1885

Creators Modern art

Gerhard Richter (1932)
Gerhard Richter
1932
Francisco Zúñiga (1912 - 1998)
Francisco Zúñiga
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Georgette Agutte (1867 - 1922)
Georgette Agutte
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Colin John McCahon (1919 - 1987)
Colin John McCahon
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Anna Barbara Aemisegger-Giezendanner (1831 - 1905)
Anna Barbara Aemisegger-Giezendanner
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Illarion Vladimirovich Golitsyn (1928 - 2007)
Illarion Vladimirovich Golitsyn
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Josef Hartwig (1880 - 1956)
Josef Hartwig
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Pedro Figari (1861 - 1938)
Pedro Figari
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Anthony Heinsbergen (1894 - 1981)
Anthony Heinsbergen
1894 - 1981
Carl-Heinz Kliemann (1924 - 2016)
Carl-Heinz Kliemann
1924 - 2016
Hermann Teuber (1894 - 1985)
Hermann Teuber
1894 - 1985
Ferdinand Staeger (1880 - 1976)
Ferdinand Staeger
1880 - 1976
Matthew Smith (1879 - 1959)
Matthew Smith
1879 - 1959
Ernst Georg Heussler (1903 - 1982)
Ernst Georg Heussler
1903 - 1982
Harold John Gilman (1876 - 1919)
Harold John Gilman
1876 - 1919
Wilhelm Rudolph (1889 - 1982)
Wilhelm Rudolph
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