The Dream (Le Rêve)
Framed print, mechanical reproduction on paper • Henri Rousseau (Le Douanier Rousseau)
Style & Movement
Naïve Art / Post-Impressionism (Primitivism)
Medium & Technique
Offset lithography/mass-market print technique; originally an oil on canvas. The print appears to have a matte or semi-gloss finish under glass.
Creation Period
Modern reproduction (late 20th century) of a 1910 original.
Dimensions & Format
Landscape orientation; estimated image size 24 x 36 inches, framed to approximately 32 x 44 inches.
Subject Description
A nude female figure, Yadwigha, reclines on a Louis Philippe sofa in a surreal lush jungle setting. The composition includes wild animals such as lions and monkeys, a dark-skinned musician playing a pipe, exotic birds, and stylized lotus blossoms, representing a dreamlike fusion of the domestic and the wild.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; reflecting its presence in a thrift or storage environment.
Estimated Market Value
$20.00 - $50.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 - $30.00 USD
Provenance History
Mass-produced decorative item; likely purchased through a retail gallery, department store, or museum gift shop. No specific high-value provenance indicated.
Art Historical Significance
The original 1910 painting is Rousseau's last completed work and resides in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). It is a seminal work of Primitivism, praised by Apollinaire and Picasso for its flat perspective and surrealist precursors. This specific item is a decorative reproduction with minimal historical value.
Notable Features
Housed in a wide, simple wooden frame; includes a white rectangular reflection or label on the right side of the glass; typical 'decorative art' staging for home use.
Condition Issues
Visible dust and debris settled under the glass; white rectangular residue/sticker on the glass surface; possible sun-fading of pigments; wooden frame shows minor scuffing.
Conservation Recommendations
Clean glass surface with non-ammonia glass cleaner; remount with acid-free backing if intended for long-term display; keep out of direct UV light to prevent further fading.