Henri Rousseau
Henri Rousseau (1844–1910) was a French Post-Impressionist painter known for his Naïve or Primitive style. He was often called Le Douanier (The Customs Officer) due to his job as a toll and tax collector, which he held until retiring at age 49 to pursue art full time. Despite lacking formal training, Rousseau developed a distinctive artistic voice, marked by bold colors, dreamlike compositions, and meticulous detail. He frequently exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants, where his work was initially mocked but later gained recognition among avant-garde artists.
Though often struggling financially, Rousseau’s work eventually attracted admiration from artists such as Pablo Picasso and Guillaume Apollinaire. In 1908, Picasso hosted a banquet in Rousseau’s honor, marking his acceptance into the modern art world. Today, Rousseau is celebrated as a pioneering figure whose unique vision influenced generations of artists.
His jungle scenes became his most famous works. Paintings like The Hungry Lion Throws Itself on the Antelope (1905) and The Snake Charmer (1907) showcase his ability to create lush, otherworldly landscapes. Jungle with Setting Sun belongs to Rousseau's last jungle paintings, created in 1910, the year of his death. His inspiration for jungle landscapes came not from real tropical experiences but from visits to the Paris World Exhibition (1889), the botanical garden, and popular magazines.
We present today's work thanks to the Kunstmuseum Basel. :)
P.S. In our newest Landscapes 50 Postcards Set you can find the most amazing landscapes in art history! :)
P.P.S. Step into the fantastic jungles by Henri Rousseau! Aren't they brilliant?