The artwork known as “Liberty Inviting Artists to Take Part in the 22nd Exhibition of the Society of Independent Artists” is a creation by the artist Henri Rousseau dating back to the period of 1905 – 1906. It is an oil on canvas that belongs to the Naïve Art movement, specifically Primitivism, and can be categorized as an allegorical painting. Presently, the artwork is located at the Artizon Museum in Tokyo, Japan.
In the artwork, viewers witness a fantastical scene dominated by the allegorical figure of Liberty, depicted as an angelic presence soaring above a wooded park, trumpet in hand as if to proclaim an announcement. She hovers gracefully over a bustling procession of people, many of whom carry paintings and artworks, indicating their participation in an art exhibit. Below her, broad tree-lined avenues are flanked by rectangular plots that are densely packed with green trees, creating an ordered, almost stage-like setting for the event. The foreground showcases various flags, hinting at an international presence, and carts adorned with colorful canvases, which appear to be part of an art parade or convoy. The serene lion resting beside the path greets visitors and participants, further enhancing the allegorical theme of the painting. The multitude of individuals, all sharply dressed, contribute to a sense of formal gathering or celebration. Henri Rousseau’s style results in a tableau where the real and the imagined converge, evoking a dreamlike quality that is characteristic of his work within the Naïve Art movement.
