Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Henri Rousseau (1844-1910): A French post-impressionist painter, known for his primitive or naïve style. He is famous for his detailed, dreamlike jungle scenes, despite never having left France.
   • Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778): A Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer. His political philosophy influenced the Enlightenment and the French Revolution. He argued that society and institutions corrupt the inherent goodness of humans.

Usage Examples

• Referring to the painter:
  • The museum is hosting an exhibition featuring works by Rousseau.
  • Rousseau's painting "The Dream" is celebrated for its vivid, imaginative quality.
• Referring to the philosopher:
  • Rousseau's concept of the "noble savage" was central to his critique of civilization.
  • In "The Social Contract," Rousseau famously wrote, "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains."

Advanced Usage

• "Rousseauian" (adjective): Pertaining to the ideas or style of Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
  • His critique of modern society has a distinctly Rousseauian tone.
• The name "Rousseau" is often used metonymically to represent the body of work or ideas of either figure.
  • To understand Romanticism, one must read Rousseau.

Variants and Related Words

• Rousseauian (adj): Relating to the philosophy of Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
• Rousseauesque (adj): Resembling the artistic style or philosophical themes associated with either Henri or Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Synonyms

• For the philosopher: Thinker, social critic, Enlightenment philosopher.
• For the painter: Naïve painter, primitive painter, modern master.

Notes on Meaning

• The specific referent (painter or philosopher) is almost always determined by context. In discussions of art history, "Rousseau" typically refers to Henri Rousseau. In discussions of political philosophy, history, or literature, it typically refers to Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
• As a proper noun, it does not have phrasal verbs or idioms directly derived from it.

Noun

1. French primitive painter (1844-1910)
2. French philosopher and writer born in Switzerland; believed that the natural goodness of man was warped by society; ideas influenced the French Revolution (1712-1778)