Image 266 Toward Modern Art - A Exhibition at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice
Toward Modern Art - A Exhibition at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice – Image 266
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The young artist preferred to create his creations on planks of wood rather than on ordinary canvas. He painted sketches. In 1883, the artist finally decided on a large painting. Thus he sought to attract the attention of the Salon, which was to be held soon. The subject was a scene on the banks of the River Seine near Paris. Many Impressionists preferred to depict these very places. The painting was made for a whole year, but the Salon jury rejected it.
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Description of Georges Seurat’s painting Bathing in Agnières
The young artist preferred to create his creations on planks of wood rather than on ordinary canvas. He painted sketches. In 1883, the artist finally decided on a large painting. Thus he sought to attract the attention of the Salon, which was to be held soon. The subject was a scene on the banks of the River Seine near Paris. Many Impressionists preferred to depict these very places.
The painting was made for a whole year, but the Salon jury rejected it. But soon Cera and others rejected like him organize their own exhibition and Cera was able to present his creation to the public.
The painter was able to convey the particular atmosphere of a warm summer day. In front of us are the suburbs of a large city with its bridges, huge stone buildings and the chimneys of factories. At first one gets the impression that this canvas is Impressionist. The colors are very bright, and the figure of the rower, who is on the right, is deliberately cut off by the frame. These features were characteristic of Impressionist creations.
But with Sera the entire composition is carefully constructed. Many sketches were made beforehand and every figure was studied in every detail. Some of the poses were borrowed by the painter from the paintings of older artists.
Agnères is a suburb of Paris to the west of it. We see young workers enjoying a rest on the river. In the process of painting the canvas, Sera did not use a special technique, which he developed later. It was called pointillism. But then some parts of the painting were completed.
The painter used special points of color of contrasting tones to create a curious effect of vibration. Thus on the hat of the boy were added points of two shades: blue and orange. The shapes of the painting are simplified as much as possible. The figures are depicted in profile and resemble the reliefs of ancient Egypt.
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Here we see several individuals positioned on a grassy slope overlooking the water. One figure, seated and wearing a straw hat, appears to be observing something beyond the frame. To his left, another person reclines, partially obscured by a dark blanket, with a small dog resting nearby. A young boy, clad in swimwear and a red cap, stands at the edge of the bank, seemingly captivated by what is happening on the water.
Further back, a central figure sits in profile, gazing towards the distant cityscape visible across the expanse of water. The posture suggests contemplation or perhaps a wistful longing. Several other figures are immersed in the water itself, their forms rendered with soft edges that blend into the surrounding environment. A sailboat and a small boat add to the sense of activity on the waters surface.
In the background, a bridge spans the waterway, connecting the foreground landscape to an urban area. The buildings appear somewhat indistinct, suggesting a deliberate distancing from industrial or societal concerns. The trees lining the riverbank create a natural frame for the scene, reinforcing the impression of a secluded and idyllic setting.
The painting conveys a sense of quiet observation and understated pleasure. It seems to explore themes of leisure, contemplation, and the relationship between humanity and nature. The figures are not actively interacting with one another; instead, they appear absorbed in their individual experiences, creating an atmosphere of peaceful solitude. The muted color scheme and soft focus contribute to this feeling of serenity, inviting the viewer to share in the tranquil ambiance of the scene.