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On this day in 1844, Henri Rousseau, a man with an astonishing imagination, was born. Throughout his life he was ridiculed by critics and the public alike, but cutting-edge writers and artists alike discovered a fresh vision for the self-taught painter. His imagination created exotic landscapes in Paris’ botanical gardens, creating beasts from toys and photographs. Like other naive painters, Rousseau used a simplified style, unscientific perspective and vibrant colors. His works sometimes seem to be subconscious visions; in this he foresees the surrealist painters.
In this work, Rousseau commemorates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the First French Republic in 1792. The peasants danced the “farandole”, a dance popular in southern France, around three trees of liberty and two female figures representing the first and third republics . Rousseau copied the dancers from an illustration for a French magazine, but added waving banners, liberty flagpoles and allegorical figures. A carriage in the background features costumed musicians, reminiscent of the parades the artists have seen. He uses brilliant colors and pure form to express the happiness of this scene that symbolizes good governance. On the right, the upright republican leader’s stance marks the stability of the French Republic.
PS Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Henri Rousseau invites you on a journey through his wondrous tropical landscape . <3
PPS We hope you have a similar feast today; it’s Saturday! If you don’t have a party, you can celebrate our Spring Sale, because today you can get 25% off everything in our DailyArt Store , and the same savings in DailyArt classes . 
111.8 × 158.1 cm
Naïve art
J. Paul Getty Museum
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