Artwork

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, by Henri Rousseau, oil, 1900
The Eiffel Tower, by Henri Rousseau, oil, 1900

The Eiffel Tower is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Henri Rousseau. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

About this work

Overview

The Eiffel Tower is a 1900 oil painting by Henri Rousseau, a French artist who began painting seriously in his forties.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene evening scene along the Seine, with the Eiffel Tower visible in the distance. The composition includes a small building, a lit bridge, and strolling figures, blending everyday life with a sense of tranquility.

Technique & Style

Rousseau worked in a Post-Impressionist style, characterized by a dreamy quality. He painted the Eiffel Tower from memory, as he had never seen it in person, contributing to the scene's imaginative and non-realistic representation.

History & Provenance

Rousseau retired from his job as a toll collector at 49 to paint full-time. Initially ridiculed, his work later gained recognition for its artistic merit and influence on avant-garde movements.

View of the Seine, Paris
View of the Seine, Paris, Armand Guillaumin

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henri Rousseau

Artist

Henri Rousseau

Henri Julien Félix Rousseau (French: ; 21 May 1844 – 2 September 1910) was a French post-Impressionist painter in the Naïve or Primitive manner.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower was painted by Henri Rousseau in 1900.

Where can I see The Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is held by Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

What movement is The Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Eiffel Tower?

Museum-quality prints of The Eiffel Tower are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.