France, 19th century / c. 1883–84
Study for "Bathers at Asnières"
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Study for "Bathers at Asnières" as painting (France, 19th century · c. 1883–84).
Seurat’s approach to painting differed greatly from the Impressionist painters who worked outdoors in plein-air. In contrast, he worked in the studio preparing his compositions from drawings and preparatory studies.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil on wood panel and credits Georges Seurat (French, 1859–1891).
The museum's collection notes: This oil sketch is one of many preparatory studies Seurat made for his monumental painting Bathers at Asnières (1883-84), depicting men leisurely bathing in the Seine near an industrial suburb of Paris. Seurat borrowed the brilliant colors of Impressionism to suggest outdoor light, but added structure by emphasizing basic geometric shapes and firm outlines. As a leader of the movement to reform Impressionism, his style became known as Neo-Impressionism.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtStudy for "Bathers at Asnières"Original explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.