Suburban Scene 1896

Henri Rousseau painted this 'Suburban Scene' using oil on canvas, and what is striking is the level of finish and attention to detail. The smooth surface doesn't give much away about the artist's process, but think about what it would have taken to achieve such a meticulously rendered scene. Rousseau’s technique involved carefully layering paint to create smooth, even surfaces. Each element of the composition, from the trees to the buildings, received the same level of attention. This demonstrates an understanding of the value of labor. Look closely, and you can see the chimneys of factories in the distance – symbols of the industrial revolution and the rise of the working class. 'Suburban Scene' offers a snapshot of a world in transition. Rousseau invites us to consider the relationship between nature, industry, and society, and asks the viewer to value the amount of work involved in the production of art.