One of a number of high profile paintings of Rousseau's familiar surroundings in the outskirts of Paris.

During his lifetime Rousseau became something of a sensation within the relatively small Parisian art scene. In the sense that he had limited professional success during his lifetime, Rousseau can be said to have invented himself – he arrived at exhibitions and dinner parties uninvited, assuming the role of an honoured guest – just as he invented images unlike anything around him. After his death notable artists considered him a major force in the art world.