The artwork “Study for ‘Un dimanche d’été à la Grande Jatte'” is a preparatory sketch crafted by the French Post-Impressionist artist Georges Seurat between 1884 and 1885. This piece, which measures 30 by 17 centimeters, was executed using crayon on paper and is categorized under the genre of sketch and study. It is part of the collection at the Musée Picasso in Paris, France. This artwork represents a component of Seurat’s developmental process for his larger, more famous painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.”
In the artwork, one observes a delicate, monochromatic study that appears to focus on the drapery and form of a garment. The skilled shading and attention to detail suggest a meticulous approach to understanding the play of light and shadow on fabric, which is typical of Seurat’s methodical practice. The visible strokes and the nuanced gradation of tones contribute to a sense of texture and depth, characteristic of Seurat’s concern with depicting volume and space within his compositions. The artwork exemplifies the artist’s commitment to the craft of painting and his exploration of the optical effects that would later culminate in his pointillist technique.
