Copy painting hand-painted of the artwork
A Centennial of Independence (Rousseau)

Henri Rousseau’s “A Centennial of Independence” is a joyful and popular celebration painted with the spontaneity that characterizes naive art. The canvas depicts a wild farandole where characters in colorful costumes dance under a large central tree. The scene is framed by garlands of flags and banners, creating an atmosphere of national celebration and collective jubilation. Rousseau, with his unique style, simplifies forms and uses bright, bold colors to convey a communicative energy. One can almost hear the music and laughter emanating from this dance. The figures, although stylized, express authentic movement and joie de vivre. This painting is not a faithful historical reconstruction, but rather an idealized and poetic vision of a civic event, a testament to the artist’s attachment to the Republic and its values of fraternity.