Rousseau (67) Henri Julien Felix Rousseau (1844-1910)

The composition presents a dense, layered jungle scene bathed in the soft light of a setting sun. A lion occupies the lower left quadrant, its gaze directed outward, seemingly observing the viewer or something beyond the frame. The animals posture suggests alertness rather than aggression; it is poised and watchful within its environment.
Dominating the foreground are lush vegetation and foliage rendered with a distinct flatness characteristic of naive art. Leaves overlap in a manner that creates depth but lacks traditional perspective. A variety of plant forms are discernible, including broad-leafed plants, tall stalks bearing vibrant yellow flowers, and clusters of blue blossoms adding color contrast to the predominantly green palette.
The artist employed a limited range of colors – primarily greens, yellows, blues, and browns – to establish a unified atmosphere. The sun, depicted as a pale orb behind the foliage, contributes to the overall sense of tranquility and stillness. A subtle gradient in the sky suggests the transition from day to night.
Beyond the immediate visual elements, the painting evokes a feeling of latent tension. While the scene appears peaceful, the presence of the lion introduces an element of potential danger. The jungle itself, with its dense vegetation and obscured depths, can be interpreted as symbolic of the unknown or the subconscious.
The deliberate simplification of forms and the lack of realistic detail contribute to a dreamlike quality. It is not merely a depiction of a jungle; it’s a constructed environment that invites contemplation on themes of nature, observation, and perhaps even the relationship between humanity and the wild. The compositions stillness and the lion’s watchful presence suggest an underlying narrative, though one left open to individual interpretation.