He once said, I am the inventor of the portrait landscape, as the press has pointed out.
What is Naive Art?
Featuring incorrect proportions, one-sided perspective, and unnatural colors, Rousseaus body of work was criticized by many.
“The Dream” (1910)(Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
For other people, however, it evoked a sense of mystery and eccentricity.
Tiger in a Tropical Storm
Surprised!
The panther stands by awaiting the moment when he, too, can claim his share.
Photo:Dornac (Paul Francois Arnold Cardon) (1859-1941); Archives Larousse, Paris, France
Birds of prey have ripped out pieces of flesh from the poor animal that sheds a tear!
Rousseau was also hailed as a proto-Surrealist by Andre Breton because of the dream-like quality his paintings held.
Rousseaus body of work also influenced many modern artists in other fields.
“Myself” (1890)(Photo:Wikimedia Commons[CC BY-SA 4.0])
American poet Sylvia Plath referenced his paintingsThe DreamandThe Snake Charmerin her poetry.
Additionally, the songThe Jungle Line, by Joni Mitchell, is based on a Rousseau painting.
“Exotic Landscape” (1908)(Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
“Self-portrait of the Artist with a Lamp” (1903)(Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
“Tropical Forest with Monkeys” (1910)(Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
“Surprised! Tiger in a Tropical Storm”(1891) (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
“The Hungry Lion Throws Itself on the Antelope” (1905)(Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
“The Snake Charmer” (1907)(Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
