The artwork titled “The Lighthouse at Honfleur” is an oil on canvas painting by Georges Seurat, dating back to 1886. Reflecting the principles of Neo-Impressionism, its dimensions are 65 x 81 cm, and it depicts a cityscape. The artwork was created in France and is presently housed at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, Ireland.
In the artwork, viewers are presented with a tranquil scene of the Honfleur shoreline. Dominating the composition is the tall and stately lighthouse, which stands as a beacon against the soft hues of the sky and sea. To the right, there is a sizable building, potentially a warehouse or a related structure associated with maritime activities. The foreground features a sandy beach speckled with what appears to be green vegetation, and a wooden boat rests on a stand, perhaps undergoing repairs or simply stored out of water. On the left, the open sea is hinted at with gentle strokes, where another smaller boat can be seen on the horizon, possibly alluding to the continuance of seafaring life beyond the immediate scene. The overall effect is one of calm and order, characteristics that are harmoniously conveyed through Seurat’s precise pointillist technique.
