The artwork titled “Rainbow” by Georges Seurat is an exquisite example of Impressionistic art, created in 1883 using oil on wood. This genre painting measures 15.5 by 24.5 cm and was produced during the artist’s time in France. Seurat’s piece is part of the National Gallery’s collection in London, UK. Known for his pioneering technique of pointillism, Seurat’s brushwork in this piece preludes that specific style and instead showcases his engagement with Impressionism.
In the artwork, Seurat portrays a serene riverside scene where a vast, shimmering body of water occupies the central portion of the composition. On the left, a figure sits pensively, turned away from the viewer, gazing out toward the water. In the forefront, a child lies on the grass, facing the water but turned away from the viewer, creating a sense of casual ease and contemplation. Another figure, wearing a yellow hat, is seated near the water’s edge, providing a bright focal point in the foreground. The natural setting is marked by gentle daubs of green, representing the grass and foliage, which give way to a panorama of distant structures that hint at a town or city skyline across the river. Above it all, a soft, multi-colored arch of a rainbow emerges from the horizon, its delicate hues mirroring the pastel tones found in the sky and water. Seurat’s handling of light and color reflects the transient effects of weather and atmosphere, capturing an ephemeral moment with a sense of immediacy and sensory delight characteristic of the Impressionist movement. The brushstrokes are loose and visible, infusing the scene with a sense of vibrancy and movement.
