Henri Rousseau was a French painter born on May 21, 1844, in Laval, France. He is best known for his unique style of naive art, characterized by vibrant colors and imaginative scenes. Rousseau worked as a customs official and painted in his free time, gaining recognition later in life for his dreamlike landscapes and jungle scenes. Rousseau's most famous works include The Dream and The Sleeping Gypsy. Despite facing criticism from some contemporary artists, he influenced many later movements, including Surrealism and Modernism. He passed away on September 7, 1910, leaving a lasting legacy in the art world.