Suburban Scene 1896

Henri Rousseau's "Suburban Scene" from 1896 depicts a serene, almost dreamlike, suburban landscape. This painting, now in a private collection, is characteristic of Rousseau's style known as "naive art" or "primitive art," a style that embodies a childlike simplicity and a sense of wonder. The flat planes of color and the bold outlines create a sense of depth and distance, while the use of vibrant hues, particularly in the red roof of the central building, adds a touch of whimsy to the scene. Despite its title, the painting's subject matter seems less grounded in reality and more focused on the artist's personal vision of a tranquil and idealized landscape.