Ms. Danforth’s Third Grade studied artist Henri Rousseau in their art history lesson with Arts Matter under the instruction of Arts Matter leader, Lisette Toppel. The students learned of Rousseau’s life and completed a project in the style of this artist.
Henri Rousseau was born in Paris, France and although many of his paintings depicted jungle scenes with elaborate trees and grasses, Rousseau never actually traveled outside of his hometown of Paris. He got his ideas and inspiration from visiting the city’s botanical gardens and zoo. While living and working in Paris, Rousseau met famous artists, like Picasso. Rousseau met Picasso when Rousseau was on the street trying to sell one of his paintings as a canvas for another artist to use. Picasso was impressed by Rousseau’s painting and recognized Rousseau’s genius.
