The Banks of the Bièvre near Bicêtre (ca. 1908–09)

"The Banks of the Bièvre near Bicêtre" is a captivating painting by French artist Henri Rousseau, dated around 1908-1909. This artwork beautifully depicts a serene landscape along the Bièvre River, near the town of Bicêtre, just south of Paris. Rousseau's painting is notable for its vivid greenery and the depth created through his imaginative use of perspective and color.In the foreground, the painting presents a narrow path, flanked by tall, arching trees, their slender trunks and lush, leafy canopies bending gracefully across the canvas. The trees frame the scene and lead the viewer's eye toward a small bridge in the middle ground, adding a sense of narrative depth and spatial complexity. The gentle flow of the river beneath the bridge provides a tranquil counterpoint to the structured verticals of the trees.The background reveals a glimpsed viaduct, a structure possibly hinting at the industrial expansion of the era, contrasting with the natural environment. Below it, a cozy, red-roofed house nestles amid the foliage, suggesting the peaceful coexistence of human habitation with nature.This painting is a beautiful example of Rousseau's love for detailed, almost dream-like representations of nature, marking his transition from traditional landscape painting to a more symbolist approach.