Henri Rousseau1844-1910

A study of what it means to be an artist presented by Lucy McHugh and Jolene Walker. Spring 2007.

Henri Rousseau was a French painter and is considered to be one of the most celebrated of the naïve or untrained artists.

Henri was known as Le Douanier Rousseau. His nickname refers to the job he held with the Paris Customs Office (1871-93), although he never actually rose to the rank of `Douanier' (Customs Officer). He did retire early from his job so that he could devote himself entirely to painting!

Henri loved to paint jungle scenes. He claimed such scenes were inspired by his experiences while serving in the army in Mexico. But in fact his sources were illustrated books and visits to the zoo and botanical gardens in Paris.

Tiger in a Tropical Storm (Surprised!) 1891The National Gallery, London

The Hungry Lion Throws Itself on the Antelope,1905. 79 x 118 inches!

Exotic Landscape1908Oil on canvas116 x 89 cmPrivate collection

Fight between a Tiger and a Buffalo, 1908

Snake Charmer, 1907oil on canvas

Even though Henri wasn’t very successful as an artist while he was alive, he is very much honored and loved by many today! We celebrate his art making style in many ways!

In ArtArt: You will create a series of drawings of jungle animals. You will then select one to make into a 3D puppet with papier mache.

In ComputerComputer: You will visit websites to learn more about Henri Rousseau and his art. You will also create an exotic jungle scene for your puppet!

http://www.nga.gov/kids/zone/zone.htm#jungle

http://gardenofpraise.com/art25.htm

http://www.nga.gov/education/classroom/art_and_ecology/inq_monkeys.shtm

http://www.barnesfoundation.org/ed_g_k_les3.html

Something to Think About… A Way to See Art

* Are there many lines in this painting? Are these lines repeated? * What colors are the lines? * Repeated lines make patterns. What patterns do you see? * Can you find curved and straight lines in this painting? * Together, curved and straight lines create shapes. What shapes can you

find?

Henri RousseauWoman Walking in an Exotic Forest1905