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No, this artwork is in the public domain.

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Quick Facts

Medium: Oil on canvas
Movement: Naïve Art (Primitivism)
Artistic style: Naïve Art
Notable elements or techniques: Bold colors, simplified forms, symbolism
Subject or theme: Man attacked by a jaguar in the jungle
Artist: Henri Julien Félix Rousseau

Artwork Description

The painting Negro Attacked by a Jaguar by Henri Julien Félix Rousseau (Le Douanier) is a vibrant and captivating work of art that showcases the artist's unique style and technique. Created in 1910, this oil on canvas painting measures 162 x 116 cm and is a prime example of Naive Art, also known as Primitivism.

The Naive Art Movement

Naive Art is characterized by its simplicity, directness, and often childlike quality. This style of art is often associated with self-taught artists who lack formal education and training in the arts. Henri Julien Félix Rousseau (Le Douanier) was a prominent figure in this movement, and his paintings are highly regarded for their charm and innocence. For more information on the Naive Art Movement, visit The Naïve Art Movement page on ArtsDot. The painting Negro Attacked by a Jaguar depicts a dramatic scene of a man being attacked by a jaguar in a jungle setting. The use of bold colors and simplistic forms creates a sense of tension and energy, drawing the viewer into the scene. The painting is also notable for its use of symbolism, with the jaguar representing the power of nature and the man representing human vulnerability.

The painting measures 162 x 116 cm and is made of oil on canvas.
It is a prime example of Naive Art, characterized by its simplicity and directness.
The painting is highly regarded for its charm and innocence, and is considered one of the artist's most important works.

Other notable works by Henri Julien Félix Rousseau (Le Douanier) include The Dream, which is housed at the Museum of Modern Art (New York, United States), and Exotic Landscape, which can be found on ArtsDot. For more information on these paintings, visit Exotic Landscape and The Dream pages on ArtsDot.
The painting Negro Attacked by a Jaguar is a must-see for anyone interested in Naive Art and the works of Henri Julien Félix Rousseau (Le Douanier). Its unique style and technique make it a standout piece in the artist's oeuvre, and its use of symbolism adds depth and complexity to the work.

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Artist Biography

Henri Julien Félix Rousseau: A Life in Art

Early Life and Background

Born on May 21, 1844, in Laval, France, Henri Julien Félix Rousseau led an unconventional life before becoming a renowned artist.
His early years were marked by modest circumstances; his father was a tinsmith, and Rousseau himself worked various jobs throughout his youth.
He received some formal education, showing aptitude for drawing, but ultimately pursued a career as a toll collector – earning him the nickname “Le Douanier” (the customs officer).
Rousseau served in the military for four years before settling into his role at the Paris octroi, collecting taxes on goods entering the city.

Artistic Development and Style

Rousseau was largely self-taught as an artist, beginning to paint seriously in his early forties after receiving encouragement from a friend.
His style is characterized by its naïve or primitive quality, marked by flat perspectives, simplified forms, and vibrant, often unrealistic colors.
He drew inspiration from botanical gardens, illustrated magazines, and visits to the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, rather than direct observation of nature.
Rousseau’s paintings often feature lush jungle scenes, exotic animals, portraits, and depictions of everyday life, all rendered with a unique sense of wonder and imagination.

Influences and Artistic Context

While largely self-taught, Rousseau was aware of the artistic movements of his time – Impressionism and Post-Impressionism – but developed a distinctly personal style that set him apart.
He admired artists like Eugène Delacroix and drew inspiration from their use of color and exotic subject matter.
Rousseau’s work predates and anticipates aspects of Surrealism and other early 20th-century avant-garde movements.

Major Works and Achievements

Some of Rousseau's most celebrated paintings include:
The Sleeping Gypsy (1897) – a dreamlike depiction of a woman asleep in a jungle setting.
Tiger in a Tropical Storm (Surprised!) (1891) – showcasing his dramatic use of color and composition.
Self-Portrait (1890) - A formal portrait showing the artist with a palette and brushes.
The Carnival Evening (1886) – capturing a festive scene with intricate details.
He exhibited regularly at the Salon des Indépendants, gaining recognition among fellow artists and gradually attracting critical attention.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Initially ridiculed by many critics for his unconventional style, Rousseau’s work eventually gained appreciation as a unique expression of artistic vision.
He became an inspiration to several prominent artists, including Pablo Picasso and other members of the avant-garde movement.
In 1908, Picasso famously organized “Le Banquet Rousseau,” a celebratory event honoring the artist and acknowledging his influence.
Rousseau’s paintings continue to captivate audiences today with their dreamlike quality, vibrant colors, and imaginative subject matter.
His work remains a testament to the power of self-expression and the enduring appeal of naïve art.

Death and Posthumous Recognition

Henri Rousseau died on September 2, 1910, in Paris.
His legacy continued to grow after his death, solidifying his place as a significant figure in modern art history.
Today, his works are displayed in major museums worldwide and continue to inspire artists and art lovers alike.

henri julien félix rousseau (le douanier)

1844 - 1910

Quick Facts

Birth Date: April 17, 1844
Birth Place: Laval, France
Death Date: September 2, 1910
Influenced:
- Vincent van Gogh
- Paul Gauguin
Influenced By: Impressionist and Post-Impressionist contemporaries
Movement: Post-Impressionism, Naive art
Name: Henri Julien Félix Rousseau
Nationality: French
Notable Works:
- Sleeping Gypsy
- The Dream
- Carnival Evening
- Tiger in a Tropical Storm
- The Toll House