La Guerre (The War)

Executed as a lithograph on orange wove paper, the work exploits the medium’s capacity for strong line work and tonal variation. The dark outlines stand out sharply against the warm paper, creating depth and a sense of immediacy. Rousseau’s handling of the lithographic process yields a textured surface that enhances the dramatic scene.

Created in 1894, La Guerre belongs to Rousseau’s lesser‑known print output, produced during a period when he explored graphic media alongside his paintings. The lithograph’s provenance traces back to early exhibitions of his work, though specific ownership records remain limited, reflecting its status as a relatively rare example of his printmaking.

The piece emerges at a time when European societies were preoccupied with military conflict and national identity, themes that resonated in contemporary art. Rousseau’s choice of a female warrior diverges from typical masculine depictions, offering a nuanced commentary on gender and heroism within the broader cultural discourse of the 1890s.