Georges Seurat

Georges Seurat was a leading Neo-Impressionist painter active in France in the late 19th century. He developed a technique known as " pointillism ," in which tiny dots of color are juxtaposed on the canvas, and established its theory. Seurat's works are characterized by strict composition based on scientific color theory and a tranquil atmosphere. Although he died at the young age of 31, his innovative art had a major impact on later 20th century art.

Georges Seurat Biography

• Born in Paris on December 2, 1859
• In 1878, he entered the École des Beaux-Arts (National School of Fine Arts) to study painting.
• From around 1880, he began to study literature on color theory and optics and develop his own pointillism technique.
• In 1884, together with fellow painters, he founded the Salon des Indépendants (Exhibition of the Association of Independent Artists).
• Between 1884 and 1886, he created his masterpiece, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.
• In 1886, he exhibited "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" at the 8th Impressionist Exhibition, which caused a great sensation.
• In 1890, he produced works such as "The Circus" and "The Chaillard Dance".
• Died in Paris on March 29, 1891 (aged 31)

Representative works

• A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte (1884-1886)
• Bathers at Asnières (1884)
• The Circus (1890–1891)
• The Dance of the Chahut (1889-1890)
• Port-en-Bessin, Entrance to the Harbor (1888)

The Art of Georges Seurat

The greatest feature of Seurat's art is his unique technique called " pointillism " (or "divisionism"). He tried to visually mix colors by juxtaposing countless small dots of pure color on the canvas. This technique was based on the latest color theory and optical theory at the time, and Seurat aimed to create paintings that were more scientific and based on theory. His works also depict a tranquil and orderly world through strictly calculated composition and geometric forms. His masterpiece, "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," is a large-scale work created using pointillism, depicting the activities of people on a Sunday on an island outside Paris, as if time had stopped, quietly, and continuing forever. This work became a masterpiece that symbolizes Neo-Impressionism .

Georges Seurat's influence and later recognition

Despite his short life, Seurat established the theory and practice of Neo-Impressionism and had a great influence on 20th century art. In particular, Fauvist and Cubist painters learned a lot from Seurat's color theory and simplification of form. His strict composition and tranquil screen composition are also thought to have influenced the later development of abstract painting. Today, Seurat is highly regarded around the world as one of the leading painters of late 19th century French art. Keywords such as " Neo-Impressionism ," " Pointillism ," " Divisionism ," " Color Theory ," and " A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte " are important elements in understanding Seurat's art. His works are housed in museums around the world and continue to fascinate many people.