Henri Rousseau

Henri Rousseau (1844-1910) was  was born in Laval, Mayenne, France. He was a self-taught artist who took up serious painting late in life. He viewed his painting very seriously, despite facing ridicule from some quarters. A number of artist and writers, particularly from the avant-garde, hailed him as an important figure. He is now seen as a pioneer of ‘naïve art’. (See https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/henri-rousseau-surprised)