Rousseau (27) Henri Julien Felix Rousseau (1844-1910)

The composition presents a young woman standing centrally within a dense, stylized woodland setting. She is dressed in a light-colored, high-necked dress with full sleeves and a gathered skirt, indicative of early twentieth-century fashion. Her hair, parted in the center, cascades down her shoulders, adorned with what appears to be a floral detail near the hairline. The woman’s gaze is directed forward, exhibiting an expression that seems both serene and slightly detached.
The background is dominated by dark tree trunks, rendered with minimal shading, creating a sense of depth while maintaining a flattened perspective. Scattered amongst the foliage are small red berries or blossoms, adding subtle points of color against the somber green and black tones. The ground beneath her feet appears to be composed of roughly hewn stones, suggesting a natural, uncultivated environment. A small, white animal – possibly a dog or goat – is positioned at her left side, partially obscured by the rocks.
The artist’s approach to perspective is notably unconventional; spatial relationships are simplified and lack traditional depth cues. This flattening effect contributes to an overall sense of dreamlike stillness. The deliberate lack of detail in the foliage and the somewhat stiff posture of the figure suggest a focus on symbolic representation rather than realistic depiction.
Subtexts within the work hint at themes of innocence, nature, and perhaps a yearning for simplicity. The woman’s attire suggests a connection to domesticity or childhood, while her placement within the wild landscape implies a relationship between humanity and the natural world. The presence of the animal could symbolize companionship, loyalty, or even untamed instincts. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the interplay between human existence and the surrounding environment.