Theodore Rousseau (1812 - 1867) France
Pencil on Paper
Measure 16 1/4"in H x 9 1/4"in W and 20 1/2"in H x 15 1/4"in W with frame

Known for: Tree landscape painting-primitive style
Name variants: Theodore Rosseau, Etienne-Pierre Theodore Rousseau, Pierre Etienne Theodore Rousseau
Biography: Theodore Rousseau was born in Paris and studied painting with his uncle, Pierre-Alexandre Pau de Saint Martin. The two worked outdoors at Compiegne, where Rousseau learned by copying his uncle's work, a habit that would have a profound influence on his own artwork. For a time he worked as a bookkeeper, continuing his painting studies with figure painter Jean-Claude Remond and at the atelier of portrait painter Guillaume Guillon-Lethiere. Nevertheless, Rousseau had already established his own style and did not care for the instruction of either teacher. Rousseau did not meet with widespread acceptance at the French Academy, and though he was accepted into the Salon in 1831 at age nineteen, his work was frequently rejected for exhibition. In frustration, he exhibited at a colleague's studio, a then-unheard-of practice. Lacking the Academy's support, Rousseau found it difficult to secure patronage. After the Revolution of 1848, official tastes changed somewhat and Rousseau was finally named to an official committee at the Academy and received a state commission. In 1852 he was named a Chevalier of the Legion d'Honneur. He was the first artist to live and work in Barbizon, where he was joined by his colleague Jean-Francois Millet. Rousseau became obsessed with painting light and color, trying novel techniques and often obsessively re-working his canvases. His work at this time baffled the public and critics alike. He exhibited at the Exposition Universelle in 1855 and was elected to its jury in 1866. Rousseau was elevated to the position of Chevalier of the Legion d'Honneur in 1867, but the recognition was sadly belated, coming at the end of his career when he was ill with a series of debilitating strokes. Though his successes were hard-won, ultimately Rousseau had a profound influence on 19th century painting, becoming known as "the father of the Barbizon School."

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