Western Art Movements I Art Movements    

Lesson 35: Post-Impressionism - A Centennial of Independence (1892)

by Henri Rousseau

Directions

Study the artwork for one week.

Over the week:

• Examine the artwork.
• Read the synopsis.
• Study the vocabulary words.
• Recite the artist and artwork names.
• Read about the artwork's movement.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Discuss the review questions.

Synopsis

Rousseau created the 1892 Post-Impressionist patriotic painting, 'A Centennial of Independence,' to memorialize the 1792 formation of the first French Republic. Banners wave in the breeze as lively peasants dance the farandole around ladies waving flags and liberty trees. At the far right, politicians in powdered wigs watch the dancers. At the far left, a lady holding a basket and small children watch a drummer.

Vocabulary

Centennial: Related to the commemoration of an event that happened one hundred years before.
Independence: The state or quality of being independent and exempt from reliance on or control by others.
Farandole: A lively chain dance of French origin.
Liberty Tree: A symbol of the national freedom of the French Republic.

Concepts

Featured Movement:

1. Name - Post-Impressionism
2. Timeline - approximately 1880s-1905

Post-Impressionism Characteristics and Subjects:

1. More Paintings in Studios ('Still Life with Three Puppies' by Paul Gauguin in 1888)

2. Vivid, Sometimes Unnatural Use of Color ('Yellow Christ' by Paul Gauguin in 1889)

3. Defined Geometric Forms ('Bedroom in Arles' by Vincent van Gogh in 1888)

Enrichment

Activity 1: Can You Find It?

Find the following in the artwork:

• Someone Dancing the Farandole
• Something Representing Freedom
• A Musician
• Two Politicians
• Someone Holding a Flag
• Waving Banners

Activity 2: Narrate the Artwork

• After studying the artwork, narrate the scene shown aloud using your own words.

Activity 3: Classify the Artwork

• This artwork belongs to the Post-Impressionist art movement.
• Find Post-Impressionism on the timeline.
• During which (estimated) years did Post-Impressionism flourish?
• Which art movement preceded Post-Impressionism?

Activity 4: Recreate the Artwork   

• Click the crayon above and complete page 38 of 'Fourth Grade Art History Coloring Book.'

Review

Question 1

Who are the characters in the artwork?

1 / 5

Answer 1

The characters are people celebrating the centennial of the 1792 formation of the first French Republic.

1 / 5

Question 2

What is the setting of the artwork?

2 / 5

Answer 2

The setting is outdoors in a grassy, open area.

2 / 5

Question 3

To which western art movement does this painting belong?

3 / 5

Answer 3

This painting belongs to the Post-Impressionist art movement.

3 / 5

Question 4

How is this painting reflective of Post-Impressionism?

4 / 5

Answer 4

This work was constructed using defined forms and vivid colors.

4 / 5

Question 5

During which century was this artwork created?

5 / 5

Answer 5

Rousseau painted this artwork in the 19th century.

5 / 5

❮ ❯

1. Who are the characters in the artwork? The characters are people celebrating the centennial of the 1792 formation of the first French Republic.
2. What is the setting of the artwork? The setting is outdoors in a grassy, open area.
3. To which western art movement does this painting belong? This painting belongs to the Post-Impressionist art movement.
4. How is this painting reflective of Post-Impressionism? This work was constructed using defined forms and vivid colors.
5. During which century was this artwork created? Rousseau painted this artwork in the 19th century.

References

'A Centennial of Independence.' The J. Paul Getty Museum. getty.edu/art/collection/objects/816/henri-rousseau-a-centennial-of-independence-french-1892/. n.p.

'Post-Impressionism.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.