Henri Rousseau, a largely self-taught artist, created Self-Portrait of the Artist with a Lamp as a reflection of his own whimsical vision and identity. Painted in 1903, at a time when Rousseau was beginning to gain recognition in the art world, this work serves as a moment of introspection. Portraying himself holding a lamp, Rousseau’s style exudes a simplistic charm that eschews overly complex forms yet captivates viewers with its nostalgic warmth. His naive style, emblematic of his personality, invites discussion about the purity of perception in art. This piece not only frames Rousseau’s commitment to his craft but also highlights the autobiographical elements that Kelly suggests he used to navigate his way through the often critical art circles of his time. As an artefact of the Post-Impressionist movement, it speaks to Rousseau's ability to transcend conventional boundaries and evoke human emotion through sincere, personal narrative.