early life and training pierre étienne théodore rousseau, a french painter, was born in paris on april 15, 1812. his family, though not artists themselves, encouraged his early interest in art. initially, he received basic training but soon displayed aptitude for painting. his father, who had initially regretted the decision to forsake business, later became reconciled and supported théodore's career. artistic career théodore rousseau was a leading figure in the development of landscape painting and a central figure of the barbizon school. he was known for his meticulous observation of nature…