Henri Rousseau
called ‘Le Douanier’
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Henri Rousseau
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Henri Rousseau,
called ‘Le Douanier’
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The Wedding Party, one of Rousseau's most famous works, was exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants of 1905. The identity of the figures is not known, with the exception of the artist himself, who is depicted to the right behind the bride. It is most likely that the painting was based on a photograph, as can be seen from the somewhat static composition. The artist had certain difficulties with foreshortening and positioning the figures in a spatially convincing manner – the ‘hovering’ bride appears awkwardly placed, as does the grandfather ‘seated’ on a tree stump – and the figures appear as superimposed motifs on a stylised background. This awkwardness does not, however, detract from the charm of the painting. The animated interactive story, Henri Rousseau, offers more information about this painting, and Henri Rousseau's innovative style and technique.
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© copyright 2001, The National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Australia
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