The artwork “Model from the Back” is a distinguished piece by Georges Seurat, created in France in 1886. It employs the oil on wood medium and measures 24.5 by 15.5 centimeters. This piece belongs to the Pointillism and Neo-Impressionism art movements and falls under the genre of nude painting (nu). The artwork is currently housed at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
The artwork presents a solitary figure viewed from behind, offering an exploration of form and light without the distraction of facial features or expression. Seurat’s signature technique of Pointillism is evident, where individual dots of color coalesce to form the image when observed from a distance. This technique also adds a meditative quality to the work, requiring close observation to appreciate the intricate application of paint. The contrast between the pale skin of the figure and the rich, dark hues of the background enhances the sense of depth and dimensionality within the constrained dimensions of the piece. The careful arrangement of color and thoughtful use of light underscore Seurat’s mastery of Neo-Impressionism, an approach concerned with scientific theories of color and vision.
