By 1903 the impetus of Symbolism had been expended and a new and enigmatic mood was forming. The new attitude drew on a vein that was comic, poetic, and fantastic, exploring an irrational quality akin to humour inherent in the creative process itself, as well as on a reserve of ironic detachment. The new painters drew strength from unexpected sources. The work of Henri Rousseau, a former clerk in the Paris municipal customs service who was known as “Le Douanier” accordingly and who had exhibited at the Indépendants since 1886, attracted attention. The apparent innocence of his pictures gave them ...(100 of 73439 words)