“The Seine at Courbevoie” is a notable work by the French artist Georges Seurat, dating back to 1885. It is an oil on canvas painting that follows the Neo-Impressionism movement, measuring 81 by 65 centimeters. The artwork is a landscape genre piece, depicting a serene scene along the Seine River in France. This painting currently resides in a private collection. It was created in France, in line with Seurat’s practice of capturing the French countryside.
The artwork presents a tranquil riverside scenery at Courbevoie, with the Seine River acting as a central element. On the right, a woman stands elegantly in profile, seemingly gazing out over the water. A small companion, possibly a dog, is by her side. To the left, the riverbanks are graced by houses embedded among the dense foliage, hinting at the integration of natural and urban environments. A boat with a sail is visible on the water, adding a sense of leisure and movement to the otherwise still landscape. The foreground is dominated by lush greenery with trees framing the scene on the right, providing depth and drawing the viewer’s eye toward the river.
Seurat’s technique, characterized by the application of small, distinct dots of color—an approach known as pointillism—is evident in the artwork’s texture. This method creates an interplay of light and shade, enhancing the vibrancy of the tableau. The color palette is rich yet subdued, with greens, blues, and earth tones harmoniously blended, capturing the serene and pastoral quality of the riverbank. It’s a contemplative piece that invites the viewer to experience the calm and beauty of the riverside landscape, a hallmark of Seurat’s artistic contribution to Neo-Impressionism.