GEORGES SEURAT: SUNDAY AFTERNOON ON THE ISLAND OF GRANDE JATTE – Un dimanche après-midi sur l’île de la Grande Jatte, c. 1884-86, Paris.*
ART
These long, warm summer days are perfect for planning a get together with friends or family; ideal for having a picnic in the park or some other sunny spot with a magnificent view, in the countryside, near a riverbank or on the coast.
Although the picnic has medieval origins and was very much a repast for the nobility when out on a hunt; the Victorians seemed to have wholeheartedly embraced this idea of venturing outdoors. The picnic conjures up images of relaxing, taking time away from the regular routine, spending time with loved ones and admiring some scenic view. It’s a time to switch off, catch up, play games and enjoy each other’s company.
The Neo-Impressionist oil painting on canvas above is by Frenchman Georges Seurat (1859-1891). The scene shows a selection of Parisians on their day off by the riverbank on the River Seine, enjoying the sunshine. I like the greenery in this painting, the clever use of sunlight and shade and the fact that many people are ‘dotted about’ pardon the pun. We see men, women and children engaged in a variety of activities. This is not one communal gathering in the traditional sense for a picnic, but we see people chatting, having a bite to eat, exercising dogs, observing the rowers and the sailing boats in the distance – it’s like “people-watching” but via a painting. The original painting is quite large, measuring over two by three metres and it is painted in the ‘pointillist’ style which Seurat devised, meaning that the entire composition is made up of thousands of tiny dots of coloured paint, (not dissimilar to how individual pixels make up an image today). The original painting currently hangs in the Art Institute of Chicago. Seurat made many preparatory studies for this final work, which is acknowledged as his most famous.
Do you find this image pleasing? Are you intrigued to see what everyone is doing? Did you spot the monkey? Seurat’s other well-known piece from 1884 is the Bathers at Asnières, which hangs in the National Gallery in London. If this style appeals to you, check out Seurat’s other works online, as well as his contemporary, Paul Signac.
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In conclusion, if you go down to the woods today or any other day, please keep your wits about you regarding where you choose to picnic and pitch your picnic rug (as explained in the full article).
I sincerely hope you get the opportunity to enjoy many catch ups and wonderful picnics with your friends and loved ones, (with or without teddy bears) this summer.
Arrivederci…till the next time.
Vanda
July 2026
