Henri Rousseau: The Dreamy Jungle Artist

Henri Rousseau (1844-1910) was a French post-impressionist painter, known for his dreamy and exotic paintings of jungle scenes, although he himself never had visited a tropical rainforest. Rousseau, often nicknamed "Le Douanier" (the customs officer) because of his work as an interpreter at Paris customs, was a self-taught artist who only began painting late in life. His work was initially derided by critics, but later appreciated by avant-garde artists such as Picasso and Apollinaire. Rousseau's paintings, such as "The Sleeping Gypsy" and "The Snake Businesswoman," are characterized by their vibrant colors, simple shapes and mystical atmosphere. His naive style and imaginative themes have made him one of the most beloved figures in art history, and his work remains a source of inspiration for many artists.