Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

“A Centennial of Independence (1892)” by Henri Rousseau is a vibrant and striking painting that captures the joyful celebration of France's centennial anniversary of independence. Rousseau's work is rich in detail and incredible in its use of color and composition.

The scene is bustling with figures, both adults and children, dancing with village-like fervor. The central focus showcases a group of costumed dancers, their movements fluidly captured in the artist’s characteristic naive style. They are dressed in folkloric garb reminiscent of traditional French attire, paying homage to the historical significance of the event being commemorated.

The background of the painting is equally compelling, as it features a detailed depiction of a lush landscape, rendered with an almost surreal vividness. Trees and plants are depicted with a meticulous attention to form and color, enhancing the whimsical yet earnest quality of Rousseau’s work.

An array of flags, garlands, and banners swirl around the central figures, adding a festive and dynamic feel to the piece. The sense of community and shared joy that permeates the painting is palpable, reflecting the collective pride of the French people.

Information about the Painting and the Artist:

Henri Rousseau, often known as "Le Douanier" (The Customs Officer) due to his career in the toll and tax department, is celebrated for his distinctive Naïve or Primitive style. Despite lacking formal training, Rousseau developed a unique artistic voice that resonated with elements of folk art and garnered admiration from avant-garde artists of his time.

“A Centennial of Independence (1892)” is housed in the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Bordeaux, France. It represents a significant work within Rousseau’s oeuvre, combining his hallmark stylized approach with an overtly celebratory theme. His flat, almost two-dimensional style disregards the conventional use of perspective, creating an almost dreamlike scene.

This painting fits neatly into Rousseau's broader body of work, which often featured elaborate landscapes and imaginative scenes. “A Centennial of Independence” is an exemplary model of his genius for blending reality with fantastical elements, all wrapped in a deeply nostalgic and emotive aesthetic.

Noteworthy in this painting is Rousseau's ability to convey a deeply communal sense of celebration without overwhelming the viewer with excessive detail. Each figure and element serves a purpose, contributing to the overall harmony and storytelling of the piece. His use of color is particularly striking, with vibrant hues creating an atmosphere of joie de vivre.

Rousseau’s work didn't gain widespread recognition in his lifetime, but this painting, among others, has come to be celebrated for its heartfelt authenticity and its contribution to the folk- and naïve-art movements. Today, Rousseau is considered a precursor to Surrealism and a beloved figure in the trajectory of modern art.