Seurat, Georges

(1859-1891)

Seurat, Georges (1859-1891) Seurat evolved first a theory of painting (See
Pointillism) in which the color of the light is broken down. For instance,
bright yellow-green grass contains reflections from the sky and from other
nearby objects. This objective was realized by the fine and delicate use of
dots of paint on canvas to create color and form. He also evolved a formal type
of composition based on the relation of objects within the picture space to one
another and to the size and shape of the picture and on the balance of
verticals and horizontals. The Impressionists stressed the flickering quality
of light and figures caught in movement, but Seurat aimed at a static quality.
His early death at 32, however, meant that his ideas were developed only by
followers and imitators.

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