1
/
of
6
Tropical Forest with Monkeys
Tropical Forest with Monkeys
Regular price
£12.45 GBP
Regular price
Sale price
£12.45 GBP
Taxes included.
Quantity
Couldn't load pickup availability
"Tropical Forest with Monkeys" (1910) by Henri Rousseau showcases the artist's distinctive naïve art style, featuring a lush jungle scene teeming with vibrant vegetation and playful primates. The composition displays Rousseau's characteristic flat perspective and meticulous attention to detail, with each leaf and branch precisely rendered in rich greens and deep shadows. The monkeys, depicted with a charming simplicity, appear to dance among the foliage, creating a whimsical atmosphere that typifies Rousseau's unique vision.
What makes this piece particularly fascinating is that Rousseau never actually visited a tropical forest. He drew inspiration from Paris's botanical gardens and illustrated books, transforming these secondary sources into dreamlike landscapes. His self-taught technique, often criticised by traditional academies, would later influence major artistic movements including Surrealism and Post-Impressionism.
The painting reflects Rousseau's lifelong fascination with exotic landscapes and wildlife, created during his later years when he had retired from his job as a customs officer. His imaginative approach to painting earned him the nickname "Le Douanier" (The Customs Officer) and, although initially ridiculed by critics, his work gradually gained recognition among avant-garde artists like Picasso and Kandinsky. This jungle scene exemplifies his ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, creating an enchanted world that continues to captivate viewers with its blend of precision and fantasy.
The most intriguing aspect of this work lies in its ability to transport viewers into a world that existed purely in Rousseau's imagination, demonstrating how artistic vision can transcend direct experience to create something entirely new and compelling. The painting's enduring appeal lies in its combination of botanical precision and dream-like atmosphere, making it a perfect example of Rousseau's unique contribution to modern art.
View full details
What makes this piece particularly fascinating is that Rousseau never actually visited a tropical forest. He drew inspiration from Paris's botanical gardens and illustrated books, transforming these secondary sources into dreamlike landscapes. His self-taught technique, often criticised by traditional academies, would later influence major artistic movements including Surrealism and Post-Impressionism.
The painting reflects Rousseau's lifelong fascination with exotic landscapes and wildlife, created during his later years when he had retired from his job as a customs officer. His imaginative approach to painting earned him the nickname "Le Douanier" (The Customs Officer) and, although initially ridiculed by critics, his work gradually gained recognition among avant-garde artists like Picasso and Kandinsky. This jungle scene exemplifies his ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, creating an enchanted world that continues to captivate viewers with its blend of precision and fantasy.
The most intriguing aspect of this work lies in its ability to transport viewers into a world that existed purely in Rousseau's imagination, demonstrating how artistic vision can transcend direct experience to create something entirely new and compelling. The painting's enduring appeal lies in its combination of botanical precision and dream-like atmosphere, making it a perfect example of Rousseau's unique contribution to modern art.
