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

Henri Rousseau (1844–1910), commonly known as "Le Douanier" (the customs officer) due to his profession, was a French painter who stood out for having no formal artistic education. Rather than receiving standard art training, he taught himself by replicating masterworks in the Louvre and other museums across Paris, dedicating himself to self-study. This unconventional route enabled Rousseau to cultivate a completely individual style, one that defied the traditional academic boundaries of his era.

Later identified as 'Naive' or 'Primitive', Rousseau’s distinctive technique is notable for its striking, vibrant colors, its two-dimensional perspective, and its surreal, almost innocent character. Frequently, his paintings depict fantastic jungle settings teeming with exotic animals and mysterious people—even though Rousseau himself never left France. His creative sources included illustrated publications, botanical gardens, postcards, and his own fertile imagination.

While traditional critics at first mocked and dismissed his art, Rousseau attracted encouragement from avant-garde artists, poets, and writers in Paris. Influential figures such as Pablo Picasso and Guillaume Apollinaire greatly appreciated his authenticity and innovative spirit, regarding his art as visionary. Rousseau’s fusion of reality and fantasy provided a significant foundation for emerging art movements, particularly impacting the Surrealists.

In the present day, Henri Rousseau is esteemed as a key figure in the development of modern art. Works like "The Sleeping Gypsy" and "The Dream" are recognized worldwide for their enigmatic atmosphere and imaginative richness. His influence endures—not just within art history, but also through the inspiration he offers artists to pursue their unique vision and creative instincts.