Virgin Forest with Sunset
1909 Kunstmuseum Basel
About this artwork
This oil on canvas painting depicts a dense, exotic jungle scene featuring a figure and an animal amidst lush vegetation and a prominent red sun. It is a characteristic example of Rousseau's immersive, self-taught 'jungle' series.
Did you know?
Despite painting these lush, exotic jungle scenes, Henri Rousseau never actually left France; he drew his inspiration from botanical gardens, taxidermy, and illustrated books about wild animals. He was a customs inspector by profession and earned the nickname 'Le Douanier' (The Customs Officer), eventually gaining admiration from avant-garde artists like Picasso who were fascinated by his unique, self-taught aesthetic.
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Virgin Forest with Sunset
Henri Rousseau, 1909
