Rousseau (84) Henri Julien Felix Rousseau (1844-1910)

The composition presents a formal gathering beneath a lavishly draped crimson curtain, against a backdrop of numerous national flags. A line of men, uniformly dressed in military or official attire, occupies the central foreground. Their expressions are largely solemn and unreadable, contributing to an atmosphere of restrained formality. The figures appear arranged hierarchically; some stand slightly forward, suggesting positions of greater authority.
A lion lies prostrate at the base of a monument inscribed with what appears to be a dedication – Paix et Peuples (Peace and Peoples). This placement suggests a symbolic connection between peace, national unity, and perhaps even dominion or control. The flags above reinforce this sense of international representation and potential alliance.
The artist’s use of color is deliberate. The dominant red of the curtain creates a theatrical backdrop, while the varied colors of the uniforms and flags introduce visual complexity. The limited palette contributes to a somewhat flattened perspective, characteristic of naive or primitive styles. Theres an intentional lack of depth; figures are rendered with minimal shading, emphasizing their symbolic rather than realistic portrayal.
Subtleties within the scene hint at underlying tensions despite the overt display of peace and unity. The rigid posture of the men, coupled with their impassive faces, suggests a forced or uneasy accord. The lions subdued presence could be interpreted as representing suppressed power or potential conflict lying beneath the surface of diplomatic proceedings. The overall effect is one of carefully constructed order masking an underlying complexity – a visual statement about international relations and the precarious nature of peace.