Henri Rousseau: a painter in his own right
Who was Henri Rousseau really?
On the occasion of the exhibition “Henri Rousseau, the Ambition of Painting,” a wide-ranging analysis campaign conducted by the Barnes Foundation and the Musée de l'Orangerie allows us to explore the painter's work from a new angle. Researchers are looking at his working methods: his possible use of photographs as models, the construction of his compositions, his choice of pigments, and his use of formats.
A comparative study of numerous works also sheds light on how Rousseau adapted and transformed certain motifs. A self-taught artist from a modest background, Rousseau had to be careful with his materials and sometimes reused his supports. However, his painting practices ultimately appear to be very similar to those of his contemporaries.
This research allows us to move beyond the myth of “Douanier Rousseau” and rediscover Henri Rousseau as he claimed to be: a painter in his own right.
Immersed in the materiality of painting
Using imaging and material analysis techniques such as infrared reflectography, radiography, and X-ray fluorescence analysis, researchers at the Centre de recherche et de restauration des musées de France are exploring the painter's works beneath their surface.
These analyses reveal how Rousseau constructed his compositions, the pigments he used, and the changes he made during the creative process. In particular, they show that he used a relatively limited palette but was able to achieve numerous shades, especially in greens. Scientific examinations also highlight the artist's repentances, corrections, and adjustments made directly on the canvas, offering a unique insight into his creative process.
A fascinating dive into the materiality of Rousseau's painting and the dialogue between science and art history.
Quiz "Dans l'atelier de Rousseau"
Observer et comparer les images pour découvrir le secrets révélés par l'imagerie scientifique.
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