His famous characteristics-simple composition, pristine brushwork, depth suggested through color, hard, even light-doubtless represented Rousseau`s concerted effort at reaching academic standards, but he also was told never to lose his naivete, and the uniformity of his output is perhaps an indication of how he had taken the advice to heart.Ĭertainly, Rousseau`s childlike sensibility remained intact. Yet he apparently was conscious of style, for the difference between studies and finished works is pronounced. Throughout more than 30 years of painting-Rousseau began dating canvases in 1877-his work showed little stylistic evolution. Neither misfortune nor error discouraged the Douanier. He was so secure in his work that after learning he had been given a decoration by mistake he proudly continued to wear it. But, still, he was unfailingly generous, sharing food and volunteering to teach art or the violin. When Rousseau married again in 1899, his straits worsened and negative reviews had long since begun to appear. He lived on a tiny pension, having resigned himself to poverty for the sake of art. ''A Carnival Evening,'' the first painting in the New York retrospective, marked his entry into the independent salons.Įncouraging critical opinion and the release from responsibility that came with the death of his wife probably were important factors in Rousseau`s decision to leave the customs service for full-time painting. After being slashed they were put among the refused entries, and he subsequently exhibited only with the independents. The two works he showed in 1885 actually were in an academic exhibition-but not for long. It had the finish to which Rousseau aspired.

He also obtained copying permits for the Louvre, the Luxembourg Museum and Versailles. He later said he was given instruction by Felix Clement and advice by the famous traditionalist Leon Gerome, but no one knows how much. While in the service Rousseau taught himself painting as a hobby.

The banquet years by roger shattuck