Henri Julien Félix Rousseau, also known as Le Douanier, was a French Post-Impressionist painter, born on April 17, 1844, in Laval, France, and died on September 17, 1910, in Paris, France. He is best known for his unique and imaginative paintings, which often featured Symbolism and Naive Art elements.

Early Life and Career

Rousseau was born into a family of modest means and was largely self-taught as an artist. He began his career as a toll collector, which is where he got his nickname "Le Douanier". However, he eventually turned to painting as a full-time career, and his work was largely influenced by his Impressionist and Post-Impressionist contemporaries.

Artistic Style and Technique

Rousseau's artistic style is characterized by his use of bold colors and flat forms, which gave his paintings a unique and dreamlike quality. He was also known for his innovative use of perspective and composition, which often featured fantastical and imaginative elements. Some of his notable works include Child with Puppet, Tropical Landscape: American Indian Struggling with a Gorilla, and The Toll House.

Museums and Collections

Rousseau's work can be found in several museums and collections, including the Kunstmuseum Winterthur in Switzerland, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in the United States, and the Kunsthaus Zürich in Switzerland. His paintings are also available for viewing and purchase on WahooArt, where you can find a wide range of his works, including Portrait of Mr. X (Pierre Loti) and The Artillerymen.

Legacy and Influence

Rousseau's unique style and technique have had a significant influence on the development of Modern Art. His use of bold colors and flat forms has inspired many artists, including Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin. Today, Rousseau's paintings are highly prized by collectors and art enthusiasts around the world, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.

• Visit WahooArt to view and purchase Rousseau's paintings.
• Learn more about Rousseau's life and work on Wikipedia.
• Explore the Musée Maurice Denis in France, which features a collection of Rousseau's paintings and other French Post-Impressionist artists.

Rousseau's paintings are a testament to his unique vision and artistic genius. His use of bold colors and flat forms has created a dreamlike quality that continues to inspire and fascinate art enthusiasts around the world.