Pronunciation: [hˈɛnɹi ɹˈa͡ʊsə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The name of the French artist Henri Rousseau is not difficult to spell once you know its pronunciation. The proper spelling is /ɑ̃ʁi ʁuso/, where the "ɑ̃" represents the nasal sound in "franc" and "ʁ" is the French "r" sound. The "u" in "Rousseau" is pronounced like "oo" and the final "x" is silent. Remembering these sounds can help you confidently write the name of one of the most famous post-impressionist painters.
Henri Rousseau (1844-1910) was a French painter known for his innovative and distinct style of art. He is considered a self-taught artist, as he began painting seriously in his late forties without any formal training or professional education in art.
Rousseau's painting style is often characterized as naïve or primitive. His works are characterized by vibrant colors, simplified shapes, and a flattened perspective. Rousseau's subjects mainly consisted of lush jungles, exotic animals, and dreamlike landscapes, often depicted with a sense of fantasy and imagination.
His most famous painting, "The Sleeping Gypsy," embodies his signature style and subject matter. It depicts a reclining gypsy woman surrounded by wild animals under a moonlit sky. Rousseau's lack of formal training is evident in his naïve approach to anatomy and perspective, which adds to the dreamlike quality of his works.
Despite initial ridicule and skepticism from the art establishment, Rousseau's unique style eventually gained recognition and popularity. He is considered a pivotal figure in the development of 20th-century art, influencing movements such as Fauvism and Surrealism.
Henri Rousseau's works continue to be celebrated for their imaginative quality and the way they challenge traditional notions of art. His unique approach and contribution to art history have solidified him as a revered and influential figure in the world of painting.
The name "Henri Rousseau" is a combination of two separate elements that have their own etymologies.
1. Henri: The name Henri is of Germanic origin and has Old High German roots. It comes from the name "Heinrich", which is composed of the elements "heim", meaning "home" or "house", and "rihhi", meaning "ruler" or "king". Over time, the name Heinrich evolved into Henri in French.
2. Rousseau: Rousseau is a French surname, and its etymology can be traced back to the word "rousse", which means "reddish" or "red-haired" in French. It is derived from the Latin word "russus", with similar meanings. Over time, "russus" transformed into "rousse" in French, which eventually became the surname Rousseau.
