View of Le Crotoy from Upstream is an oil painting by Georges Seurat, completed in 1889 during his summer stay in the Normandy coast. Measuring 70.5 x 86.7 cm, the landscape painting of Le Crotoy, France, is part of Seurat’s series of paintings of ports on the French north coast in the period 1885-90. Seurat’s mastery of Pointillism can be seen in the work, and it is considered a significant contribution to the art movement.
One notable technique Seurat used in this painting was to create a complementary color border along the edge of the canvas. This technique helped to transition to the darker values on the adjoining wooden frame, making the painting appear more luminous against the unobtrusive frame designed by the artist. The artwork is held at the Detroit Institute of Arts, and reproductions are available for purchase.
Seurat’s attention to detail and use of color make View of Le Crotoy from Upstream an excellent example of the Post-Impressionist style. The painting invites the viewer to explore the seaside town’s picturesque surroundings and peaceful atmosphere. Overall, View of Le Crotoy from Upstream is a masterful piece of art that demonstrates Seurat’s talent and skill in creating stunning landscapes.
This works shares a similar name with another work, “View of Le Crotoy“, which takes the “Downstream” viewpoint of the same body of water.