The artwork “Self Portrait from L’ile Saint Louis” is a creation of the artist Henri Rousseau, completed in the year 1890. This self-portrait is executed in oil on canvas, and it is a significant piece within the Naïve Art movement, specifically Primitivism. The dimensions of the piece are 113 by 146 centimeters. Currently, the artwork is housed at the National Gallery in Prague, located in Prague, Czech Republic.
In the artwork, Rousseau depicts himself as the central figure, standing confidently with a palette in hand, suggesting his profession as a painter. He is dressed in formal attire, complete with a black suit and a beret, which conveys a sense of seriousness and dedication to his craft. The background presents a fantastical urban landscape, characterized by a peaceful yet surreal atmosphere. Notably, a boat adorned with colorful flags and a hot air balloon floats amidst the clouds in the sky, contributing to the dreamlike quality of the scene. The scene encapsulates Rousseau’s distinctive style, known for its childlike simplicity and vivid imagination. The juxtaposition of the realistic self-portrayal with the inventive and almost whimsical background is hallmark of Rousseau’s works, which often invite viewers to explore the boundless realms of their own creativity and perception.
