The artwork titled “The Monument to Chopin in the Luxembourg Gardens” was created by Henri Rousseau in 1909. Executed in oil on canvas, the work measures 47 by 38 centimeters and is categorized within the Naïve Art movement, specifically Primitivism. This cityscape genre painting is part of the collection at the Hermitage Museum located in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
In the artwork, Rousseau depicts a serene setting within the Luxembourg Gardens, focusing on the commemorative monument to the composer Frédéric Chopin. The monument appears to be centrally positioned, bathed in the gentle light that filters through the verdant treetops. Elegant trees line the pathways, their foliage rendered in a stylized, almost patterned manner characteristic of Rousseau’s approach to painting nature. A few figures, clad in the attire reminiscent of the early 20th century, leisurely populate the scene. They seem to be engaging in the tranquil contemplation of the statue or strolling along the pathways. The vibrant greens, coupled with the presence of the leisurely figures, evoke a sense of peaceful coexistence with the natural surroundings and reflect the artist’s fascination with lush, botanical environments. Henri Rousseau’s signature can be observed at the bottom right of the artwork, confirming the authenticity and craftsmanship of this unique piece.
