When I go out into the countryside

Henri Rousseau, born on May 21, 1844, in Laval, France, occupies a unique place in the art world as the archetype of the modern naive artist. His life unfolded against a backdrop of lush jungles, wild beasts, and exotic landscapes—themes that would permeate his meticulously detailed paintings. Rousseau’s journey began in modest circumstances; the son of a tinsmith, he hailed from a working-class background. His academic pursuits were unremarkable, and he left secondary school without completing his studies. Military service followed, during which he encountered soldiers with vivid recollections of the subtropical landscapes of Mexico—a place he would never physically visit but that would profoundly influence his art.

Rousseau’s career took an unexpected turn when he settled in Paris in 1868. As a petty official, he worked diligently in bureaucratic roles, including a stint as a tax collector. Despite these responsibilities, he found solace in drawing and painting. His early works, exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants in 1886, revealed a naiveté that defied the established norms of the art world. Rousseau’s vivid portrayals of jungle scenes fueled the popular misconception that he had traveled to Mexico. In reality, he never left France. His nickname, “le Douanier” (the Customs Officer), derived from his post at the Paris toll office, where he collected tolls despite the office having no actual customs functions.

In the quote, “When I go out into the countryside and see the sun and the green and everything flowering, I say to myself, ‘Yes indeed, all that belongs to me!'” Henri Rousseau captures the essence of wonder and ownership. His words evoke a profound connection to nature—a sense of kinship with the sun, the verdant landscape, and the blossoming flora. Imagine standing amidst rolling hills, the warmth of the sun on your skin, and the vibrant colors enveloping you. Rousseau invites us to claim this beauty as our own, not through possession but through shared existence.

The quote transcends mere observation; it becomes an affirmation of belonging. When we immerse ourselves in nature, we recognize that its splendor is not separate from us—it is an extension of our own being. The sun’s rays touch our faces, the greenery whispers its secrets, and the blossoms bloom in harmony with our hearts. Rousseau’s words remind us that ownership need not be material; it can be a spiritual embrace. In those moments, we affirm our place in the grand tapestry of existence.