The artwork “Portrait of Joseph Brummer” by Henri Rousseau was completed in 1909. This oil on canvas piece measures 88.3 x 118.7 cm and is held in a private collection. Rousseau, often associated with the Naïve Art movement, which is also known as Primitivism, brings forth a genre of portraiture that features a raw and direct quality of expression.
The artwork depicts a seated male figure who is positioned front and center against a backdrop of dense foliage. The subject, Joseph Brummer, sits in a cane chair with red cushioning that contrasts with the natural green tones of the background. His body is relaxed yet dignified, with one hand resting on the arm of the chair, and the other gently placed on his thigh. A cigarette loosely held between the fingers of his right hand adds a casual air to the portrayal.
Rousseau uses flat areas of color and lacks traditional perspective, which is characteristic of his style and the Naïve Art movement as a whole. The subject’s facial expression is solemn and contemplative, gazing directly at the viewer. There’s a sense of stillness and simplicity in the composition. The oversized, stylized leaves of the trees form a pattern-like canopy that frames the subject, emphasizing the flatness of the space and underscoring the artist’s unique approach to depth and form.
Rousseau’s inscription, including his signature and the year, can be seen in the lower left corner of the artwork, adding an element of authenticity and completing the composition. The rendering of the subject, the textured portrayal of the foliage, and the overall compositional harmony reflect Rousseau’s distinctive technique and artistic vision.
