"A Centennial of Independence," Henri Rousseau, 1892.

Rousseau (1844-1910) was a self-taught French painter, technically of the Post-Impressionist school, but usually classed as a Naive or Primitive artist. I prefer "Visionary" myself. He was ridiculed in his lifetime for his style but not long before Rousseau's death, he was discovered by Picasso who declared him a genius. When he passed he was finally starting to get the attention and acclaim that had been his due. To this day he's a major influence on avant-garde artists.

The First French Republic was declared on September 21st, 1792, and although it only lasted until 1804, it was still considered a significant day to be celebrated. Here we have peasants dancing, and what look like picnickers in the background. The two women in the center of the circle, carrying flags representing the First and Third Republics (the Third Republic lasted from 1870 to 1940), may be allegorical figures, along with the folks to the right in 18th century dress. Or they're in costumes for the occasion. It's hard to tell with Rousseau, which is what makes him fascinating.

From the Getty Museum, Los Angeles.

#Art #HenriRousseau #VisionaryArt #ViveLaFrance #ViveLaRevolution #HurrahForFreedom #LiberteEgaliteFranternite

📷 Mathilde Larrere
Manifestation Parisienne - 18 septembre 2025

#18septembre #greve18septembre
#vivelarevolution

Pendant qu’#Auxerre commémore Napoléon, nous dénonçons la glorification d’un dictateur ! 🚫👑 Nous avons déployé une banderole "À bas les empereurs – Vive la révolution" ✊ avec des têtes en polystyrène sur des piques pour rappeler les révoltes populaires ! 💥

#ViveLaRévolution

On #ThisDayInHistory in 1793, Queen #MarieAntoinette was executed by the first French republic. Celebrate with a little cake. ;-)

#SicSemperTyrannis #EatTheRich #FrenchRevolution #ViveLaRévolution #LibertéÉgalitéFraternité