“The Muse Inspiring the Poet” is an artwork executed in 1909 by Henri Rousseau, an artist known for his association with the Naïve Art movement, characterized by a sense of Primitivism. The piece is rendered in oil on canvas, measuring 97 cm in height by 146 cm in width. This portrait is part of the collection at the Kunstmuseum Basel in Basel, Switzerland.
The artwork depicts two figures standing in a lush forest setting. The figure on the left, presumed to be the muse, is gesturing towards the sky, with her gaze following the direction of her extended hand. She is adorned in a long, flowing gown and wears a necklace, emanating an ethereal quality. In her other hand, she clasitightly, which seemingly represents inspiration. The figure on the right, ostensibly the poet, is dressed formally in a dark suit with a tie, and is holding a piece of paper, possibly a manuscript or a written work, in one hand, while the other hand holds a quill pen.
Between the figures and in the foreground, vibrantly colored flowers provide a contrasting element to the muted colors of their attire. The meticulous attention to the flora and the figures’ calm, composed facial expressions contribute to the serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere of the scene. The use of flat color areas and the simplistic, childlike rendering of the figures and the surrounding nature are hallmarks of Rousseau’s unique style within the Naïve Art movement.
