Description
The painting "Arab Horsemen Near the Mausoleum" by Henri Rousseau is a masterpiece of modern art that has captivated art lovers for decades. This work of art is a perfect example of the artistic style known as "primitivism", which is characterized by the simplicity of forms and the absence of perspective.
The composition of the painting is impressive, with the Arab horsemen in the foreground and the mausoleum in the background. The central figure of the rider on the white horse is particularly striking, with his upright posture and his gaze fixed on the horizon. The composition is also balanced by the presence of the other riders and the mausoleum in the background.
The use of color in the painting is another highlight. The warm, earthy tones of the horsemen and landscape contrast with the deep blue of the sky and the dark green of the foliage. The use of bright, saturated colors is a distinctive feature of the primitivist style.
The story behind the painting is also fascinating. Henri Rousseau never traveled to the Middle East, but he was inspired by the images he saw in books and magazines. The painting was first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1891, where it was ridiculed by art critics. However, the work was bought by the poet Guillaume Apollinaire, who considered it a masterpiece.
There are some lesser known aspects of the painting that are also interesting. For example, the horsemen are believed to represent French soldiers who fought in the Crimean War. Also, the mausoleum in the background resembles the Eiffel Tower, which was built a few years after the work was painted.