The Snake Charmer Essay

The Snake Charmer: An Analysis of Henri Rousseau’s Artwork

Henri Rousseau, a French born-and-raised artist, was one of the first painters to set the standard for naïve art worldwide (Vallier, Dora). In fact, Rousseau’s artworks are “the most frequently reproduced examples” of naïve art, even in today’s age (Encyclopædia Britannica). His use of rich colors, employement of extensive detail, and subject matters - typically flourishing forests of a sub-tropical nature and exotic creatures - is what clearly separates Rousseau’s art from other artists of similar idealistic styles. (Vallier, Dora). Rousseau rose to fame because of his naïeveté and lack of formal art training, which lended itself to unique rendering in his works.

The approach

By using blended, soft colors, Rousseau shows how the environment unites in a cohesive, amicable state, where even the most dangerous of beasts - the snakes - are tame and tranquil. The woman at the center of it all symbolizes the ideal relationship between humans and mother earth. It also implies that the areas of the world that humanity has yet to touch are the most beautiful, and should be preserved. Rousseau himself was fascinated by nature and tales of exotic land, and this love inspired him to render the scenes of alluring, auspicious airs that led to his belated fame.

Ultimately, Henri Rousseau’s painting The Snake Charmer achieved a blissful sense of tranquility in every sense. The rich greens coalesce into detailed aspects of nature, and help the eye land upon the desaturated, striking feminine figure at the center of the piece. The shapes and forms utilized add to the natural feeling of the painting. The layout is visually pleasing and provides much variety, but in the end, Rousseau manages to successfully create a flowing, dream-like scene, complete with a strong message and artistic