Description
Centennial of Independence is an oil painting on canvas created by Henri Rousseau in 1892.
The work commemorates the centenary of the proclamation of the First Republic of France in 1792. In it, peasants dance the pharando, a popular dance of southern France, around three trees of freedom and two female figures, one that represents the first Republic and another that represents the third republic of France.
Henri Rousseau painted a centenary of independence after seeing an illustration of a French provincial dance in a magazine. In his painting, Rousseau included some aspects of the original illustration but the image endorsed. In a way the artist, what transformed the original was adding symbolic elements. For example, he changed the caps of the peasants of the inhabitants of the mountains became cold (or freedom) caps.
In painting, Rousseau creates an exotic and fantastic scenario that evokes a sense of mystery and astonishment. Use vibrant and contrasting colors to highlight dense vegetation and creatures that populate the scene, thus transmitting a lush and energetic sense of life.
Rousseau did not travel to exotic places to paint his tropical scenes; Instead, he was inspired by magazine illustrations, visits to greenhouses and observations in the Paris Garden. This lack of direct experience in the tropics gave his work a unique and "primitive" style, as if he were painting a dream or fantasy.
Its distinctive technique included flat brushstrokes and use of crisp, which were characteristic of their NAIF style. This approach gave his works a naive and at the same time charming aspect.
A Centennial of Independence shows a scene full of symbolism and cultural references that happened at the end of the 19th century, a period marked by struggles for independence and political change in several parts of the world.
In general, Centennial of Independence is an impressive example of Henri Rousseau's unique style and his ability to transport viewers to imaginary worlds through their art. Its influence on modern art remains relevant and its legacy lasts in the appreciation of artistic ingenuity and the exploration of the exotic in art.