The Hungry Lion Throws Itself on the Antelope
Henri Rousseau · 1905
Why it's great
A lion leaps onto an antelope amid giant, lush jungle plants with huge blossoms. Rousseau never saw a jungle but visited Paris zoos and botanical gardens for ideas. The brightly colored leaves and flat shapes give it a dreamy, storybook feel. It's one of his wildest jungle scenes.
👀 Look closer!
This jungle was made up from plants in a garden. How many different leaf shapes can you find?
Where to see it
📍 Beyeler FoundationRiehen, Switzerland
Open in Maps ↗Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
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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.
