Henri Rousseau, "The Dream"

   Have you ever seen a "realist" painting where nothing is right?  Take a look at this fun image.  This is titled, "The Dream", and is by the great French artist Henri Rousseau.
It is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.  Rousseau painted about 20 of these "jungle" pictures, this being the largest measuring almost 7 feet in height and almost 10 in width.  He completed the work in 1910, the year he died.  It is his last painting.
   I find this work a delight to look at.  My eye is drawn all around the format wanting to discover everything especially those hidden in the dark corners.
    If we divide the painting into four quarters, down the middle vertically and across the middle horizontally, we see the center of attention fills the lower left space, with the lines of her settee perfectly framing her space.  Also, notice there is no attempt at showing any depth, this whole scene seems to be within maybe 6 - 8 feet of space, or even less. 
    Do you see the other human?  It is a snake charmer almost hidden in the upper right corner.  Can you decide on the time of day?   Is that a sun or moon in the upper right?   Also notice the flowers are huge, just as large as the woman's head; and the animals and birds are stiff and a little unnatural.  Even the pose of the woman looks uncomfortable and I really think if any person lounged in the nude as this woman is, it would only take seconds before insects from all those plants would find her!
   This is Rousseau's dream, and who has a dream that is completely "right".   But, I find it fun, fun to imagine, fun to look at, fun to dream. 
   Lots more can be written, I would love to read your comments.   Please respond!
Make Art a part of your day,  it's a beautiful thing to do.

 

Comments

  1. charguthAugust 17, 2019 at 1:48 PM

    Yes, Rousseau is so realistically unreal!! The jungle is so pristine; no insects for sure!! It must be a rain forest, but it doesn't look humid. Humans and animals reside together peacefully. Colors are vibrant and beautiful. It's amazing that he can put so much subject matter into a painting and still make it a balanced and engaging composition. Such a unique skill. (My dreams aren't "right" either.)
    Rousseau is fun.

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