Portrait of a Woman by Henri J. F. Rousseau

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inChasingArt, Henri J F RousseauTags:,

“Portrait of a Woman” (1895-97) is a painting by Henri Rousseau. Rousseau, a self-taught artist, is celebrated for his unique style and imaginative approach to art. This particular piece showcases his skillful use of form and color, capturing the essence of the subject with striking detail. The woman’s enigmatic expression and the carefully rendered background draw the viewer into the world of the painting, inviting interpretation and appreciation. Rousseau’s ability to evoke emotion and curiosity through his work makes “Portrait of a Woman” a timeless example of his artistic mastery.

Portrait of a Woman (1895-97) by Henri Rousseau, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Cat in “Portrait of a Woman” is often interpreted as a symbol of enigma, mystery, and independence. It adds to the sense of intrigue and symbolism within the painting, contributing to the overall enigmatic atmosphere that is characteristic of Rousseau’s work. The cat’s presence invites interpretation and adds depth to the narrative of the painting, enhancing the viewer’s engagement with the artwork.


Nothing makes me so happy as to observe nature and to paint what I see.

Henri Rousseau

Who was Henri Rousseau?

Henri Rousseau worked as a customs officer in Paris for the majority of his life. Despite his career in the civil service, he pursued art as a self-taught painter and became known for his unique style and imaginative approach to art. His dedication to his artistic vision and the mastery he displayed in his paintings have left a lasting impact on the art world.

Henri Rousseau (1844-1910) was a French self-taught artist celebrated for his unique style and imaginative approach to art. Despite lacking formal training, he developed a skillful use of form and color, capturing the essence of his subjects with striking detail. His painting “Portrait of a Woman” (1895-97) showcases his ability to evoke emotion and curiosity through art. Rousseau’s influence among contemporaries such as Picasso and Matisse underscored the significance of his self-taught approach and the impact of his unique artistic vision on the broader artistic movements of the time.

In Sue Roe’s “In Montmartre: Picasso, Matisse and the Birth of Modernist Art,” the discussion of Henri Rousseau’s relationship with other artists during the years 1900-1910 provides valuable insight into the interconnectedness of the art world during this pivotal period. Rousseau’s presence and influence among contemporaries such as Picasso and Matisse shed light on the cross-pollination of ideas and styles that contributed to the birth of modernist art. This interaction underscores the significance of Rousseau’s self-taught approach and the impact of his unique artistic vision on the broader artistic movements of the time.


I cannot now change my style, which I acquired, as you can imagine, by dint of labour.

Henri Rousseau

Pablo Picasso recognized Henri J.R. Rousseau’s genius the moment he saw a painting by Rousseau being sold on the street as a canvas to be painted over. It was as if the universe had orchestrated that a young artist would discover a great work by an older artist. Picasso was so enthralled with the painting he arranged to meet Rousseau at the first opportunity.

In 1908, two years before Rousseau’s passing, Picasso held “Le Banquet Rousseau,” which was “one of the most notable social events of the twentieth century” according to John Malcolm Brinnin, American poet and literary critic, who was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The guests at the banquet were the creative elites of the age: Guillaume Apollinaire, Jean Metzinger, Juan Gris, Max Jacob, Marie Laurencin, André Salmon, Maurice Raynal, Daniel-Henri Kahnweiler, Leo Stein, and Gertrude Stein.

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

17 thoughts on “Portrait of a Woman by Henri J. F. Rousseau”

    1. When I read that Pablo Picasso recognized Henri Rousseau’s genius, I wondered how he was able to identify that Rousseau was a great painter. Would I have been able to see that Rousseau was a remarkable artist, I wondered? Probably not (sigh). So I went back to find out what people thought of his during his lifetime.

      It seems that Henri Rousseau’s lack of formal art education and unconventional style led people to initially overlook his genius. Critics dismissed his work as primitive and naive, failing to appreciate his unique perspective and innovative techniques. Despite facing rejection and ridicule, Rousseau remained dedicated to his craft. It took other another artist who was creating something new to understand Rousseau’s paintings.

      Many thanks for stopping by, Robbie. Always a joy to see your comments.

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      1. Well, I can certainly understand that people didn’t like ‘new’ and different. It is still like that in many ways. I have spent years trying to explain to my colleagues how they should approach complex transactions. They don’t get it because they can’t think like that. So now, they just do it my way and say “Not everyone can be like you Robbie.” Haha, I find it hilarious. I’m tired of being Robbie CA (SA) and want to be Robbie artist and writer full time. But, no chance of that now. I promised hubby I’d stay … I think you will like my new painting, Rebecca. It is coming along nicely and I never like my work until they are finished. I think acrylic paint is my thing.

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    1. I am delighted that you enjoyed this painting, Dave. Henri Rousseau’s most known painting is of his vibrant jungle scenes despite never having visited the tropics. He worked as a toll collector for most of his life, only pursuing art full-time in his retirement. Rousseau’s unique style earned him the nickname “Le Douanier” (the customs officer). Despite facing criticism from art critics during his lifetime, he is now celebrated for his contributions to the modern art movement. Since 1998 the record price for this artist at auction is 43,535,000 USD for Les Flamants, sold at Christie’s New York in 2023. (https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Henri-Rousseau/53D5E04CC316BF70). Wouldn’t he be surprised!!!

      What I found very interesting is that Picasso and Kandinsky recognized Rousseau’s brilliance.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Impressive, Rebecca, when a creator does a lot of great creating despite spending many hours and years in a non-creative day job.

        Ha! 😂 Misty indeed understood the symbolism of the cat in the painting, though he wishes the feline were shown bigger. But Google tells me steroids didn’t arrive until the 1930s. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  6. This is a magic painting.

    Whenever I see a unique, self trained style of art, I am encouraged that all things are possible in art, that there is no one way, that there are no mistakes and even my drawings hold value.

    This applies to all of the arts.

    Self satisfactions, and eyes of beholders are as many and varied as snowflakes.

    This painting is bewitching me.

    Thank you, Rebecca!

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Oh Resa – so very very well said. There are no mistakes and all of our creative endeavours hold value. I think we need to reevaluate our definition of “value.” Many artistic endeavors are often undervalued due to societal perceptions that prioritize practicality and financial success over creative pursuits. No one valued Henri Rousseau’s painting, except for a very few like Picasso and Kandinsky. They saw value in the art, not in what financial gain could be attained. Would Henri be surprised to know that his painting “Le Flamants” set a new auction record in May 2023 when it sold for $43.5 Million.

      Henri Rousseau’s $43.5 Million ‘Les Flamants’ Sets a New Auction Record

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      1. Amazing!
        Still, a common story that many artists are not valued in their lifetime.
        Almost finished the new Art Director drawing.
        Wait ’til you see this! Will send it tomorrow or Tuesday with a new artist!

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