International Customs Day has been observed annually on today’s date since 1953. Actually, the French painter Henri Rousseau entered the annals of modern art as a customs official. He received the nickname “Le Douanier Rousseau” (“Customs Official Rousseau”) from the writer Alfred Jarry, whom he first met in about 1893. In truth, however, Rousseau was never a customs official, but rather a tax collector for the octroi bureau in Paris. Just as incorrect is the widespread premise that Rousseau was self-taught, or in other words, a Sunday painter. We know that he trained privately under two academic painters: Félix August Clément and Jean-Léon Gérôme.
At an exhibition of French art held in Prague in 1923, the Czechoslovak government bought several artworks, including Rousseau’s self-portrait. The decision to purchase this particular painting was made by Vincenc Kramář, the director of the Picture Gallery of the Society of Patriotic Friends of the Arts. Although he was in charge of old art, he used state funds to purchase modern art – a fact for which he was criticised by a number of colleagues and this famous painting remained in the depository for the next five years. Today, the painting Myself: Portrait-Landscape is on display at the exhibition 1796–1918: Art of the Long Century.
At an exhibition of French art held in Prague in 1923, the Czechoslovak government bought several artworks, including Rousseau’s self-portrait. The decision to purchase this particular painting was made by Vincenc Kramář, the director of the Picture Gallery of the Society of Patriotic Friends of the Arts. Although he was in charge of old art, he used state funds to purchase modern art – a fact for which he was criticised by a number of colleagues and this famous painting remained in the depository for the next five years. Today, the painting Myself: Portrait-Landscape is on display at the exhibition 1796–1918: Art of the Long Century.
