The artwork “Woman Seated by an Easel,” crafted by the celebrated artist Georges Seurat between 1884 and 1888, is a fine example of the Neo-Impressionist movement. Executed in crayon on paper, the piece measures 30.5 by 23.3 centimeters and is classified as a genre painting. The artwork’s creation took place in France, and it is currently housed in the Fogg Museum, which forms part of the Harvard Art Museums in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The artwork depicts a woman seated gracefully beside an easel. Seurat’s skillful use of crayon on paper imparts a textured, almost granular quality to the scene, which aligns with the Neo-Impressionist technique of capturing light and shadow through distinct yet subtle marks. The woman, though rendered in a limited palette and with soft details, exudes a contemplative presence as she gazes toward the easel, perhaps immersed in creative thought or the appreciation of art. With its intimate composition and delicate handling of the medium, the drawing invites viewers to ponder the narrative behind the woman’s moment of repose.