Henri Rousseau

Painter

Birthday May 21, 1844

Birth Sign Gemini

Birthplace Laval, France

DEATH DATE Sep 2, 1910 (66)

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About

Post-Impressionist painter known for his lush, exotic jungle scenes. Known for his embrace of the Naïve or Primitive styles. His final painting was "The Dream" from 1910.

Before Fame

He worked as a lawyer before devoting himself to his artistic career. He was also a toll collector. He would not be recognized as a self-taught innovator until late in life.

Trivia

His painting, "The Hungry Lion Throws Itself on the Antelope," inspired artists such as Henri Matisse.

Family Life

He married Clemence Boitard; together, they had six children. After his first wife's death, he married Josephine Noury.

Associated With

He was referenced in Joni Mitchell's song, "The Jungle Line," from her album, "The Hissing of Summer Lawns," released in 1975.