A View of the Ile Saint Louis from Port Saint Nicolas Evening (c.1888) by Henri Rousseau

A View of the Ile Saint Louis from Port Saint Nicolas Evening - Henri Rousseau - c.1888

Artwork Information

TitleA View of the Ile Saint Louis from Port Saint Nicolas Evening
ArtistHenri Rousseau
Datec.1888
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions55.2 x 46 cm
Art MovementNaïve Art (Primitivism)
Current LocationPrivate Collection

About A View of the Ile Saint Louis from Port Saint Nicolas Evening

The artwork entitled “A View of the Ile Saint Louis from Port Saint Nicolas Evening,” created by Henri Rousseau circa 1888, embodies the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. This oil on canvas cityscape measures 55.2 x 46 cm and is currently held in a private collection. Rousseau’s piece captures a serene and simplistic vision of an urban setting during the evening.

The artwork features a tranquil riverside scene at dusk with the full moon casting a soft glow in the sky. The composition is centered on a view of the Ile Saint Louis, as seen from the Port Saint Nicolas, with calm waters reflecting the evening light and silhouettes of the cityscape. In the foreground, covered heaps, possibly of sand or other materials, give a sense of an industrial or construction site by the water’s edge, juxtaposing the natural beauty of the evening sky with the manmade environment. Trees line the left side of the artwork, creating a framing effect and guiding the viewer’s eye towards the bridge that spans across the river, connecting the banks and suggesting a link between different parts of the city.

The bridge is detailed, with pedestrians visible upon it, suggesting the everyday flow of life even in the quietude of evening. Structures with prominent architectural features rise in the background, adding to the depth of the composition. Overall, Rousseau’s distinctive style is palpable, with its characteristic linear perspective and a sense of naivety in the depiction of the cityscape elements. His use of color and light creates a peaceful atmosphere, inviting contemplation from the viewers of this urban tableau.

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