Rousseau Henri (nicknamed The Customs Officer) (1844 Laval – 1910 Paris) – Centenary of Independence (112x157 cm) 1892 J. Paul Getty Museum

The canvas presents a scene of communal celebration unfolding beneath a sprawling tree. A group of figures, rendered in a somewhat flattened perspective and with limited modeling of form, are engaged in what appears to be a folk dance or procession. Their attire is varied and suggests a blend of cultural influences; some wear traditional garments, while others sport more contemporary clothing, including military-style jackets and hats. The color palette is dominated by warm tones – yellows, oranges, reds – punctuated by the cooler blues of the sky and the green expanse of the ground.
A significant element of the composition is the series of banners or flags strung between poles along the right side of the canvas. These are arranged in a repetitive pattern of vertical stripes, contributing to the overall sense of order and formality despite the seemingly spontaneous nature of the gathering. The tree itself acts as a focal point, its dense foliage providing shade and framing the activity below.
The artist’s approach to perspective is notably unconventional; depth is suggested through size diminution rather than linear convergence. This creates a somewhat dreamlike or theatrical quality, distancing the viewer from the scene while simultaneously inviting them into it. The figures are not arranged in a naturalistic manner but appear almost posed, contributing to the feeling of a staged event.
Subtleties within the painting hint at layers of meaning beyond a simple depiction of festivity. The presence of individuals dressed in military garb could allude to themes of authority or national identity. The blending of diverse costumes suggests a merging of cultures or perhaps an idealized vision of unity. The deliberate flatness and lack of detailed rendering might be interpreted as a rejection of academic realism, instead prioritizing the conveyance of emotion and atmosphere over precise representation. Ultimately, the work seems to explore notions of community, tradition, and the construction of collective identity through ritualized celebration.