The artwork titled “Portrait of the Artist’s Father” is an exemplary piece created by Henri Rousseau, who is associated with the Naïve Art movement, often linked to Primitivism. This portrait, which can be classified under the genre of portraiture, proudly resides within the collection of the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (MNBA) located in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The portrait features a profile depiction of the artist’s father, looking to the right. Set against a soft blue sky, the subject’s countenance is captured with a blend of simplicity and attentiveness that is characteristic of Rousseau’s style. His father’s features are portrayed with attention to detail, and the distinct expression suggests a quiet and reflective personality. The background, appearing as a vaguely defined cloud formation, supports the central figure, granting a sense of substance and space to the composition. Rousseau’s signature is evident in the lower-left corner of the artwork, reaffirming the personal connection and the direct execution by the artist’s hand. The brushwork and color palette remain subdued, drawing all focus to the subject of the work, which encapsulates the artist’s intimate perspective and connection to his father.
