Henri Rousseau 1844–1910, *La Guerre* 1976 (1894)

An original color lithograph created using the traditional method on limestone, on high-quality vellum paper; dimensions: 42 x 72 cm (inside the mat), 69 x 75 cm with the mat, limited edition, hand-numbered in pencil 30/300, signature embossed as a dry seal, authenticated by the publisher’s dry seal “Les Imprimeries Parisiennes” at the bottom right, with the artist’s estate’s permission confirmed by a dry seal at the bottom left. Original certificate.
Henri Rousseau was a French painter, one of the most famous representatives of naïve art. During his lifetime, Rousseau was not appreciated by critics or the public. His naïve style was often ridiculed and considered a lack of skill. However, over time, with the development of modern art, his work began to be appreciated by artists, critics, and collectors. Today, Rousseau is considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century, and his paintings are housed in the world’s leading museums. Rousseau’s work has influenced many artists, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Fernand Léger. His unique style and imagination have inspired—and continue to inspire—artists around the world.
Henri Rousseau painted the work “Guerre” in 1894. Stylistically, this painting exemplifies Rousseau’s characteristic “naïve style,” characterized by simplified forms, a lack of perspective, and imprecise modeling. The painting’s color palette is surprisingly bright and cheerful. The blue sky and pink clouds contrast with the somber theme of war, creating a paradoxical juxtaposition. This contrast is one of the most intriguing elements of the painting. On the one hand, the bright colors may symbolize an idealistic and naive belief in the glory and heroism of war, which is often instilled in people, especially the young. On the other hand, they provide a contrast to the somber figure of the horseman
Today, the painting “Guerre” is considered one of the key works in Henri Rousseau’s oeuvre. The painting is also prized for its original style, which has influenced many artists. “Guerre” is currently in the collection of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, where it can be viewed in person.
Henri Rousseau’s paintings fetch very high prices on the art market. His works are prized for their unique naive style, vibrant colors, and fantastical motifs. Rousseau’s most expensive paintings command prices in the millions of dollars.
The frames shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a commercial offer.