The artwork “The Bridge at Courbevoie” by Georges Seurat, painted between 1886 and 1887 in France, is an oil on canvas representing the Pointillism and Neo-Impressionism art movements. It measures 46.4 x 53.3 cm and belongs to the cityscape genre. The artwork is housed in the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, UK.
The artwork depicts a serene view of a suburban landscape. The focal point of the composition is the bridge that stretches across the central part of the canvas, with the gentle flow of the river below reflecting the soft light. The technique used is characteristic of Seurat’s style, where small, distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image, a method aligned with the principles of Pointillism. The palette consists of a variety of subtle tones that work harmoniously to create the sense of a hazy, tranquil day. On the left foreground, the lush green grass slopes towards the water, speckled with color to suggest a scattering of flowers or dappled light. Figures are visible in this setting, including what appears to be a fisherman by the bank and another individual in the distance, creating a narrative of leisurely riverside activity. The presence of these figures introduce a human element to the otherwise quiet environmental depiction. To the right, a tree with leafless branches creates a stark contrast against the sky, adding depth and dynamism to the scene. The masterful use of lighting and the meticulous assembly of color dots result in a luminous effect, capturing the atmosphere and light unique to the setting Seurat chose to immortalize.
