Henri Rousseau (French, Laval 1844–1910 Paris) – The Repast of the Lion Metropolitan Museum: part 2

The canvas presents a dense, imagined jungle scene, rendered with a meticulous attention to detail that belies its fantastical nature. Here we see a lion, centrally positioned and reclining amidst lush vegetation. The animals posture suggests both relaxation and vigilance; it appears comfortable yet alert to its surroundings. Its fur is depicted with careful brushstrokes, conveying texture and volume.
The surrounding foliage dominates the composition. A variety of plants are rendered in varying shades of green, creating a sense of depth and layering within the jungle environment. The artist has employed a flattened perspective, which contributes to the dreamlike quality of the scene. Exotic flowers – yellow and blue – punctuate the greenery, adding splashes of vibrant color that draw the eye. A large, white bird with outstretched wings is placed on the left side of the composition, its presence seemingly incongruous within this otherwise naturalistic setting.
The background features a pale disc in the sky, likely intended to represent the moon or sun, though its indistinctness contributes to the overall ambiguity of the scene. The light source appears diffuse and even, casting minimal shadows and flattening the forms. This lack of dramatic lighting further enhances the painting’s stillness and quietude.
Subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of nature, civilization, and the exotic. The lion, a symbol of power and wildness, is presented in a domestic setting – a jungle that feels both real and constructed. The inclusion of the bird introduces an element of the surreal, suggesting a world where natural laws are suspended or altered. The meticulous detail with which the plants are rendered implies a fascination with the natural world, while the overall composition evokes a sense of mystery and otherness. It is possible to interpret this as a commentary on humanitys relationship with nature – a desire to understand and control it, even when attempting to depict its untamed beauty. The painting’s stillness invites contemplation about the boundaries between reality and imagination.