Henri Rousseau: The Naïve Genius of the Jungle

Rousseau had no formal artistic training and was largely self-taught. He began painting in his spare time, inspired by his visits to the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, where he would observe and sketch the animals. His paintings were characterized by their bold colors, flattened perspective, and meticulous attention to detail.

One of Rousseau's most famous works is "The Sleeping Gypsy," painted in 1897. This masterpiece showcases his ability to create a sense of mystery and enchantment. The painting depicts a sleeping gypsy woman lying in the desert, with a lion curiously sniffing at her. The moonlit scene and the juxtaposition of the wild animal and the vulnerable figure create a dreamlike and surreal atmosphere.