The artwork titled “The Dam” was created by Henri Rousseau between 1891 and 1893. This piece is executed in oil on canvas, measures 46 x 37 cm, and is classified within the Naïve Art movement, specifically, Primitivism. It is characterized as a cityscape and is currently housed in a private collection.
“The Dam” by Rousseau presents a tranquil scene dominated by a large, cloudy sky, which takes up most of the upper portion of the canvas. Below the expansive sky, a dam stretches across the composition, punctuated by numerous arches. The scene is tranquil, depicting both nature and human-made structures in harmony. A French flag flies prominently on a pole to the left, adding a touch of national identity to the setting. In the foreground, individuals appear diminutive in scale against the backdrop of the dam, with some figures walking and others seated on the riverbank. A small boat occupied by two individuals can be seen in the water near the bottom of the artwork, lending a sense of leisurely activity to the scene. The color palette is subdued, with earthy tones that evoke a sense of calm and pastoral life. Rousseau’s distinctive self-taught style, with its simplified forms and perspective, is evident, contributing to the artwork’s serene and timeless quality.
