Femme se promenant dans une forêt exotique (Woman Walking in an Exotic Forest)
Original: Painting on canvas; Object shown: Jigsaw puzzle reproduction depicting a framed painting • Henri Rousseau (often called 'Le Douanier Rousseau')
Style & Movement
Naïve Art (Primitivism / Post-Impressionism)
Medium & Technique
Original: Oil on canvas using a 'naïve' or primitive technique with flat color application and precise layering of foliage. This image: Printed paper/cardboard puzzle pieces.
Creation Period
Original: circa 1905; Object shown: Modern contemporary puzzle manufacture.
Dimensions & Format
Original: 100 x 81 cm (39.4 x 31.9 in); Format: Vertical Portrait.
Subject Description
A woman dressed in a white Edwardian-style gown and hat walks through a dense, stylized jungle. The composition features oversized exotic flowers, orange-colored fruit hanging from trees, and rhythmic, repetitive layers of green foliage creates a dreamlike, flattened depth.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (as a puzzle assembly). Note that this is not an original canvas but a printed reproduction on a jigsaw puzzle.
Estimated Market Value
Original: Over $40,000,000 USD. Puzzle: $15 - $30 USD.
Auction Estimate
Original: Estimate upon request (record-breaking potential). Puzzle: Negligible resale value.
Provenance History
Original is held in the collection of the Fondation Beyeler, Basel (Riehen), Switzerland. This puzzle likely stems from a museum gift shop or art-themed toy series.
Art Historical Significance
Rousseau was a self-taught artist whose works were championed by Picasso and the Surrealists. His 'Jungle' paintings are iconic for their imaginative power, as Rousseau never left France; his tropical scenes were inspired by the Jardin des Plantes in Paris and botanical books.
Notable Features
The signature 'Henri Rousseau' is visible in the bottom right corner of the print. The play of scale—where the flowers are as large as the woman's head—is a hallmark of the artist's unique perspective.
Condition Issues
Visible puzzle seams and die-cut edges typical of jigsaw puzzles. Occasional edge wear on cardboard tabs.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a low-humidity environment to prevent cardboard warping; avoid direct UV light to prevent ink fading. If intended for display, apply puzzle glue and frame behind UV-protective glass.