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

Jacques François Joseph Swebach-Desfontaines (1769 - 1823)
Jacques François Joseph Swebach-Desfontaines
1769 - 1823
Pierre-César Honoré Pons (1773 - 1851)
Pierre-César Honoré Pons
1773 - 1851
Franz Korwan (1865 - 1942)
Franz Korwan
1865 - 1942
Claude Closky (1963)
Claude Closky
1963
Louis-Alexandre Cabié (1853 - 1939)
Louis-Alexandre Cabié
1853 - 1939
Sacha Sosno (1937 - 2013)
Sacha Sosno
1937 - 2013
Alfred Manessier (1911 - 1993)
Alfred Manessier
1911 - 1993
Jacques Roettiers (1707 - 1784)
Jacques Roettiers
1707 - 1784
James Tissot (1836 - 1902)
James Tissot
1836 - 1902
Léon Matthieu Cochereau (1793 - 1817)
Léon Matthieu Cochereau
1793 - 1817
Ferdinand Maron (1810 - 1865)
Ferdinand Maron
1810 - 1865
Henri Gaudier-Brzeska (1891 - 1915)
Henri Gaudier-Brzeska
1891 - 1915
Jean-Baptiste Gustave Deloye (1838 - 1899)
Jean-Baptiste Gustave Deloye
1838 - 1899
Jean Avisse (1723 - 1796)
Jean Avisse
1723 - 1796
Jules Cavailles (1901 - 1977)
Jules Cavailles
1901 - 1977
Charles Cottet (1863 - 1925)
Charles Cottet
1863 - 1925

Creators Modern art

Theresa Bernstein (1890 - 2002)
Theresa Bernstein
1890 - 2002
Rudolf Riemerschmid (1873 - 1953)
Rudolf Riemerschmid
1873 - 1953
Otto Biermer (1858 - 1901)
Otto Biermer
1858 - 1901
Gabriel Argy-Rousseau (1885 - 1953)
Gabriel Argy-Rousseau
1885 - 1953
John Peter Russell (1858 - 1930)
John Peter Russell
1858 - 1930
Ahmed Parvez (1926 - 1979)
Ahmed Parvez
1926 - 1979
George Nakashima (1905 - 1990)
George Nakashima
1905 - 1990
José Bernal (1925 - 2010)
José Bernal
1925 - 2010
Florian Quistrebert (1976)
Florian Quistrebert
1976
Walter Leistikow (1865 - 1908)
Walter Leistikow
1865 - 1908
Auguste Donnay (1862 - 1921)
Auguste Donnay
1862 - 1921
Stefan Ivanovich Florescu (1934 - 2016)
Stefan Ivanovich Florescu
1934 - 2016
Oscar Niemeyer (1907 - 2012)
Oscar Niemeyer
1907 - 2012
Wilhelm Bittorf (1904 - 1951)
Wilhelm Bittorf
1904 - 1951
Henri Martin (1860 - 1943)
Henri Martin
1860 - 1943
Carl Johann Becker-Gundahl (1856 - 1925)
Carl Johann Becker-Gundahl
1856 - 1925
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