Henri Rousseau, known as the Le Douanier (1844–1910), is one of the most important artists of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. His works attracted not only intellectuals like Guillaume Apollinaire and collectors such as Wilhelm von Uhde, but also many artists. In his paintings he anticipated or resolved similar problems to Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, etc. He was highlighted as a source of inspiration in particular by the group known as Der Blaue Reiter, headed by Wassily Kandinsky.
This exhibition has been realised in cooperation with the Musée d'Orsay in Paris on the basis of a concept prepared by Gabriella Belli (Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia) and Guy Cogeval (Musée d'Orsay). The authors place Rousseau in the context of other, no less famous artists and try to trace stimuli linked with archaism, classicism and his original vision of realism. The National Gallery in Prague will present Henri Rousseau in the autumn of 2016 after the closing of the exhibition in the Musée d’Orsay. The selection from the Paris exhibition will be supplemented by the works of Czech artists such as Otto Gutfreund, Jan Zrzavý or Toyen, which demonstrate the painter’s impact on the Czech environment. For this exhibition works will be on loan from a number of prestigious Czech and foreign institutions and also from private collections.
See the exhibition video [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9OFqk52rkk)!
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9OFqk52rkk)
Authors of the concept: Gabriella Belli, Guy Cogeval
Exhibition curator: Kristýna Brožová
Architects: Jiří Javůrek, Silvie Bednaříková (SGL projekt, s. r. o.)
Graphic Design: Richard Jaroš, Tomáš Machek (Side2)
Advertising Spot Director: Marek Partyš
The exhibition is held under the auspices of Jean-Pierre Asvazadourian, French Ambassador to the Czech Republic and Adriana Krnáčová, Mayor of the City of Prague.
**Visite guidée en francais**
Dimanche, le 23 Octobre, á 16,30, avec Markéta Ježková, l'historienne d'art
***Admission:*** *Entrée libre avec d'un billet valide / **Duration:** 30–90 minutes*
**Guided tour in English**
Sunday, 27 November, 4.30 pm, with Lenka Kerdová, art historian and artist
***Admission fee:*** *free with valid ticket / **Duration:** 30–90 minutes*
**Pre-booked guided tours**
Book a guided tour in Czech, English, German, or French.
**SOIRÉE**
THU 12 January 2017, 6 pm – 12 pm. A soirée organised by contemporary artists and inspired by the legendary banquet which Pablo Picasso held in honour of Henri Rousseau. Can Rousseau be as fascinating today as he was back then?
Find possible answers to this question at the exhibition which will remain open until 8 pm, or at the after party of artists which will take place in the Kinsky Palace cellars. ***Free admission***
**Studio RE-ROUSSEAU!**
A space in the exhibition with workshops prepared for children and adults. Get inspired by the world of Henri Rousseau: experience real and imagined things, surround yourself with greenery, and get immersed in details. Study Rousseau from all angles – examine, draw, and capture. Compose and play with proportions. Immerse in fiction and non-fiction books.
**Activity sheets** **JUNGLE IN PARIS**
Learn about the worlds of Rousseau – the city, jungle, wild flowers... A colourful exhibition guide for children and playful adults.
Free of charge at the Kinsky Palace ticket counter.
More information and Reservation: , 224 301 003.
