Artwork
A Sunday on La Grande Jatte — 1884
A Sunday on La Grande Jatte — 1884 is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Georges Seurat. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
A Sunday on La Grande Jatte — 1884 is a large oil painting depicting a leisure scene on the River Seine. Created by Georges Seurat, it measures nearly ten feet wide and showcases a diverse group of people.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a moment of modern life, featuring individuals of various ages and social classes. Seurat's intention was to create a contemporary equivalent of a classical Greek frieze, conveying a sense of timelessness and order.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by Seurat's pointillist technique, where figures and forms are composed of tiny dots and dashes of complementary colors applied side by side. This approach becomes apparent upon close inspection.
History & Provenance
Seurat worked on the painting over several years, revisiting and refining it. The artwork arrived at the Art Institute in 1924 and has since been a popular attraction.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Georges Pierre Seurat (UK: SUR-ah, -ə, US: suu-RAH; French: ; 2 December 1859 – 29 March 1891) was a French post-Impressionist artist.
