Artist

Henri Rousseau

1844–1910 · born in Laval · died in Paris

Henri Rousseau was born in Laval, France, and worked as a tax-and-toll collector, earning the nickname 'Le Douanier' (the customs officer). He taught himself to paint and began exhibiting in his forties. His jungle scenes, painted from visits to the Paris botanical garden, were mocked at first but later admired by Picasso and others. He died in Paris in 1910.