Georges Seurat: Great Art Explained
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
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Georges Seurat once revealed that he had been ‘interested in finding an optical formula’ for painting since he was just 17 years old.
Seurat spent most of his adult life thinking about colour, studying theories, and working out systematically how one colour, placed in a series of dots, next to those of another, creates a whole different colour when it hits the retina of the human eye. How one colour can make another appear luminous bright, and vibrant.
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"What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter 12 December 2020
SUBTITLES
I input the English subtitles myself but I rely on volunteers to do subtitles for other languages and I really appreciate it - just contact me at jamespayne33@hotmail.com
French subtitles by Ludivine Desriac
Spanish subtitles by Alma Perdomo
CREDITS
Opening Animation and Title Sequence by Brian Adsit (instagram .... and Behance www.behance.com/badsit88)
Chicago footage by Connor Kuhlman and Billie Bowman
Pointillist technique video by the wonderful Anna Li - • Oil Painting Time Laps...
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel do not claim any right over them.
BOOKS
Seurat and the Making of La Grande Jatte by Robert L. Herbert
Tate: Colour: A Visual History by Alexandra Loske
Georges Seurat, 1859-1891: The Master of Pointillism (Taschen Basic Art Series) by Hajo Duchting
Georges Seurat: Drawings & Paintings by Raya Yotova
Georges Seurat by Pierre Courthion
MUSIC
Chopin - Nocturne in E Flat Major (Op. 9 No. 2)
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Please like and leave a comment, it REALLY helps the channel. Many thanks! James
And subscribe and watch and click and like other comments and reply and donate and screenshot and send link and share and talk about it ;)
James my deah, (yes, we're on a first name basis now. (Joking)) the videos you make are an invaluable service to humankind. I have seen images of this painting before but have no recollection where. Certainly not the original, never having been to Chicago nor having any plans to go there. And that is one of the gifts you bring to people everywhere who will never have the chance to see these magnificent works in person. Brilliant effort, as always. Thank you! 🥂
Extra comment for the algorithm
My comment is: please don't wait so long to post your next piece! I've viewed everything here once or twice and eagerly await more.
Thanks for everything, James. You're the best.
I love art, but it's always been hard for me to understand it - this channel gives me insight into pieces that I disregarded for many reasons, but mostly ignorance. So thank you for this amazing chance at education.
Thanks for watching 🙏
I couldn't agree more! I leaped when I saw there was a new video this week, I have such a renewed passion for art ❤
Agreed, this channel does a great job introducing everyone to art masterpieces! If you'd like to watch longer form docs analyzing great paintings - I'd recommend checking out an early 2000s BBC series - "Private Life of a Masterpiece" (if it's available for streaming in your area). Each 45min episode is a deep dive into a particular work of art (the episode they did for Seurat's Grande Jatte was really interesting; covering not only the painting itself, but also the artist, the cultural context when the painting was created, and the details of the sales-coup that secured the painting for the Art Institute of Chicago - much to the later dismay of France). Other works covered in the series include Rembrandt's the Night Watch, Vermeer's Art of Painting, Brugel's Census at Bethlehem, Van Gogh's Sunflowers - just to name a few ...
Expressed my feelings perfectly.
@@stevemorley Art is more than just like/dislike. I can find something not appealing but it's still valuable to know how it was developed, what the thought process was. I don't find this particular artwork super pretty, but how it was made, the symmetry, color usage, and technique, is an integral part of the artwork that's missed if I'd just think about 'meh don't like it'. This is what I watch this channel for, to understand how artists think.
These videos are so well produced they put professional studios to shame. Beautiful, compelling and the amount of information you manage to get through in a few minutes time and leaves us wanting more. Had only basic idea of pointillism before, and will never look at Seurat's works the same way again. His drawings are mesmerising. So few with facial features, even of his family. The standout being his mistress, who comes across as a complete individual. What a sad life for her as well, losing both him and her child.
I never made that connection but you’re completely right, his mistress is one of the few human figures he depicted with any real sense of humanity
Good point!
Very well said - these videos are a master piece & one might even go so far as to say ‘life changing’. The best bit is the coupe-de-foudre-manner one might chance upon them!
I always knew pointillism would be labourious and time-consuming, but I had no idea how much. This channel is such a treasure!
Thank you 🙏
That was my thought as well…that it took Seurat 3 years to complete this was mind boggling
But...how many hours per day?
Every time I go to The Art Institute of Chicago, I always see this painting and the size and beauty of seeing it so close brings me to tears without fail.
So you must react the same way Cameron did in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
@@YouthFreedomFighters EVERY SINGLE TIME
Lol
It's going to be a good day when it starts with a GREAT ART EXPLAINED video in my feed... THANK YOU!
You're very welcome!
Another excellent film. What really impressed me was the fact I came here for Seurat but learnt about Chevreul as well as how art was being thought of during the 19th century, 70 - 100 years before world wars would ravage Europe.
My dad had this in the dining room my entire childhood until now too. Great memory and crazy how I actually have a full context now. These vids are always so friggin good, literally check for them daily
Incredible patience and dedication to this artwork and makes me appreciate it even more. I didn't realise how large it actually is, only really seeing it in art books. I love how he put a little butterfly in it - probably originally attracted to the lady with the posy of flowers. Great video, thanks for your work, look forward to more when you are ready🎨.
Thank you!
Another fascinating study that goes far deeper than the painting on the canvas. Thank you.
Looking at Seurat's paintings is like a reflection of being in his presence. You may observe, but you are not invited to participate.
Just wanted to say how much I love how you present these videos, almost having an intimate conversation with the viewer. Please keep them coming!
Love your point of view on this one... Seriously, whenever you say, "...but I disagree" I know I'm about to see the art work in a way that I haven't seen it before, discover an idea in it I hadn't encountered before and feel closer to understanding it's true meaning and importance in the history of Art. Thanks for another outstandingly well written and presented video.
Thanks for the comment!
I've seen this painting in Chicago many years ago. If only I had known then, what I know now! Thank you so very much, James, for this video and all your knowledge about art history, the artist Seurat and this painting in particular! Even though it's always nice to dive into a painting without knowing anything about it and let it talk to you, knowing some bits and pieces of behind the scenes can make you fall in love with it even more.
You are very welcome
“Sunday”…. was one of the few paintings my very active then-toddlers would actually stop and ponder - so much going on, yet so calming.
Thanks for the additional insights and the memory prompt!
I studied at history in college, but it didn't prepare me for seeing this painting in person (and many others). It is breathtakingly beautiful.
Even if this isn't my favourite piece of art, I watched with interest the video because every time you publish a new video I know I'm going to learn something new and you have a special way to explain art that make me walk INTO the paint and feel like I'm part of it.
Plus, I'm an Italian native speaker and your videos have an huge impact on my English improvement.
Thanks for your hard work!
To me, the painting reflects Seurat's personality and the way he lived his life. Very removed from others with little communication as well as everything being neatly compartmentalized and separated. A very interesting video! Thank you.
Another magnificent work James! I learn and enjoy so much from your videos. As a novice, one part that really made an impression on me was when you said: “Meaning is not so important…the lack of narrative means we really should look to the artist’s obsession with form, technic and theory”. It totally made sense once i understood the context of Seurat’s times, the invention of the color wheel and his almost scientific approach to his art. Thanks again!!
This is possibility the most informed, yet concise, comprehensive account of the genesis, significance and varied interpretations of this proto-modern masterpiece that I've yet encountered in any forum or medium -in short a superb analysis.
Thank you for always speaking about the artist's life, rather than just the famous painting. Helps to give so much deeper meaning and context behind the works!
Love the work on this channel. One of the greatest on this platform
This is no doubt the best art Chanel in TH-cam! Thanks for your hard work from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Wow, what a wonderful video, James! Your words at the end were really moving, thank you so much for producing videos that are so informative yet so full of love and appreciation. I love the way I feel more educated and emotional after seeing your videos. You are touching so many hearts of art lovers❤
Thanks for the comment 🙏
Your work is beautiful. These videos are works of art within themselves. Love the research done and the interpretations of the various works of art that you study.
A Great Sunday explained, a new art video by you. Thanks
I love it! Didn't real the labour of this painting until you mentioned it's size a lot later into the video. When it was mentioned that the first layer and the second layer both took him an year each, i thought that he was just been meticulous with his brush. But then you said- "2m*3m" and it all made sense why.
By the way, i think your voice has magic in it. Because how else could i become so interested in something so far removed from my daily life. Treasure it sire, you deserve everything you desire!
I love these videos! Seurat really made a great impression on me in my childhood, I was inspired by him to make pontilism in my art classes.
Thank you for doing this video! I’ve loved this painting since I was a young girl when I first saw it at the Art Institute of Chicago. It’s incredible to see in person because it changes depending on how close you are to the canvas and it has always fascinated me. Now as a graphic designer and artist myself, I credit Seurat and his work with inspiring me and sparking my love of color exploration. Impressionism is one of my favorite types of art and pointillism taught me so much about our perception of color. Simply incredible.
I’m in awe of this channel. Exceptional quality. Never understood art so well. I saw this painting in an exhibition in Paris ages ago, and the explanations there were not half as clear, educational, and interesting as yours here. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I love how the isolated lives of Seurat is reflected in La Grand Jette. Made me appreciate color theory too. And thank you for including a bit on how it ended up in Chicago!
Thank you so much! Most of the information in this video is new to me. So many of these great artists were the Einsteins of their work. Genius.
You add something to the historical conversation in the art world that is truly unique by the way you represent and explain the context, style and meaning of each piece and artist. I am better off for your work and am grateful. Please continue!
the color and the light, the geometry, so pure in this painting. So much love for it. "Sunday, by the blue, purple yellow red water, by green purple yellow red grass, let us pass, through our perfect park, pausing on a Sunday, by the cool, blue triangular water, on the soft, green elliptical grass, let us pass, through arrangements of shadows, towards the verticals of trees...forever. By the blue, purple yellow red water, on green orange violet mass - of the grass, in our perfect park, made of flecks of light, and dark, and parasols (bum bum bum, bum bum bum bum bum bum), people strolling through the trees, of a small suburban park, on an island in the river, on an ordinary Sunday" Steve Sondheim, one artist to another, bearing witness to the glory all around, and distilling it for all to enjoy, forever. Steve's greatest work, too, inspired by this painting.
This is the best series on TH-cam. Thank you!
What I'm taking from this video is that with Seurat, it's not necessarily just the plot of the story but the language used (but the plot is still really carefully thought out and pretty clever too) - very cool and very much food for thought!
My fave painting, thanks so much for covering it 😍
This video just put the musical "Sunday in the Park with George" into SO MUCH perspective.
I saw this delightful Seurat painting in person at The Art Institute of Chicago and always wondered how this museum acquired it. Thank you for sharing!
I cannot thank you enough for your (once more) wonderful work.
For some strange reason, this painting reminds me of Hieronymus Bosch' the garden of earthly delights. Wonderful video as always, James! Thank you for your work!
Thanks 🙏
Fantastic job explaining Seurat's method and the impact color theory had on his work. The extra time you spent on perfecting this video essay paid off handsomely, I think this is one of your best!
Glad you liked it!
I agree. Very cool to hear about the color theory and the origins of it. I really like this painting. After watching this now thinking about buying a replica for my home.
Excellent work. Your videos are the primer people need to get started in understanding art. Thank you.
Brilliant! I’ve heard so many theories about this painting, none have amazed me as much as this. Thank you!!
I've been looking for a channel like this for so long! As a self taught painter, I love being able to understand art and art movements!
Hands down my favorite yt channel. Every video gets better. Art needs thorough inspection and accompanying clarity and background information imo, and no one does it better than James. Cheers!
I look forward to these videos like no other channel I watch!
This is my favorite work of art. It took 50+ years to get back to see it.Thank you for this explanation. Fascinating. And now a subscriber.
I can thank watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off as a kid in the 80’s for sparking my curiosity about this piece…
Thank you for yet another beautiful explanation… 🙏🏼
Just started looking into impressionism again and tried finding more information about Seurat. This led me to your channel and I'm excited because it has so much to offer! Thank you for all the hard work that goes into making these videos.
love the channel! please don’t stop making them. you have a gift of explaining art is a such engaging way but also pack tons of information. super high quality content and this channel deserves much more recognition.
Best account on TH-cam. Thank you for the time you put into creating these videos for us!
another "brilliant" presentation , analysis, video. Your interpretations of these great works of art are a pleasure to watch. I always look forward to the next one. And return to the earlier ones. Great teaching, James. Appreciate the work.
Another splendid video -- thank you James, I really appreciate all you teach us
I love this channel. Please only stop when the world runs out of art for you to explore and show to us. It’s much appreciated.
Wonderful video! Thank you so much for the deep dive and related influence contributing to this painting. I’ve always been fascinated by this but knew very little about it. The labor of using the dots is amazing to me. How sad about his life and early death!
Thank you for all the time and love you put into your videos! I love your channel so much
One of my favourites!!
i discovered this channel a little more rhan a year ago and it has made me infinetly passionate about art amd art history, the way you present the works and their artists is incredible, i always go around sending links to my friends
This is one of my all time favorite paintings. 🥰🥰
Well I’m part of that painting. As a freshman at the Chicago art institute, I would take go sit in front of it day after day. It’s huge. It’s vibrating. Very cool stuff. You can’t understand it until you see it in real life. Anyway that was 1986. I learned to paint. Art is the best education, in an abstract way it’s the only education. Observation, stimulation, expression that communicates within us and then after completion, communicates without us.
Thank you for finally giving meaning to this. It's another one of those Great Works that always read as so cold to me. The pointilism bit (and the excuse to not try to look for characters) really help.
Brilliant video... has sent me on a deep dive into pointillism! Thank you! 👍🏼
Art student myself. I listen to your video while doing pottery. Thank you so much. You explained well
V helpful
Reflection
Grazie
The last bit about Seurat's legacy at around 14:35 brought me to tears. This painting was a labor of love for art and theory and I'm so glad we are all able to experience it.
Thanks for another great video James!
Glad you enjoyed it
this channel is everything
Thank you!
Magnifique video! Me and my wife are currently watching all the episodes, thanks for making thes wonderful videos!
A great channel to just expand your interest in art
Thank you. I've always loved this painting. Now I'll go find clips of Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin in Sunday in the Park with George.
You have inspired me to learn art history, and for that I can't thank you enough.
Happy to hear that!
I’ve seen this painting several times at the Art Institute of Chicago and was amazed by it’s large size and use of color. It captured a moment of free time with people enjoying the beautiful countryside. It’s a calm, colorful and joyful scene.
Thank you so much for your efforts James.
Will always associate this painting with Ferris Bueller’s day off, thanks for providing greater meaning to it! I often feel like Cameron watching your videos
Extra credit for releasing this video on a Sunday.
Sunday Afternoon even. Thanks for noticing!
I've been offline for a month or so. This was a wonderful welcoming back. Thank you.
Painting has always struck me since I was a child.
Spectacular!!!
James, for me yours is the best channel on YT, full stop. Of course, your analysis of Seurat and his masterpiece is as vivid as i've come to expect, but strangely enough this video gives me an entirely new respect for filmmaker John Hughes, like me a proud Chicagoan and a director whose films I already respected. What kind of artistic genius does it take to capture a profound moment like Cameron has with La Grande Jatte in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and insert it seamlessly into a movie that also succeeded in its wide appeal?
The explaination of color theory was so cool
Thank you again for the Art history lesson, you are a master of your craft 😍
James, when did you get all these followers! I've just noticed he count and I'm so happy for you and art!
I know!! It just keeps growing. Thanks 🙏
@@GreatArtExplained Absolutely well deserved. Your videos are art in themselves 💖
Another wonderful video James! Thank you so much ❤
thank you James, as always soulful and beautiful🤩🥰
This is my favourite channel on youtube.
Thank you James :)
My favorite channel right now! I cant find any other great art channels right now. Thank you for doing what you do, this is very educational and entertaining :)
Thank you so much 😀
@@GreatArtExplained Of course, my favorites are the Starry Night and Mona Lisa episodes, I hope you do more with Van Gogh and Leonardo!
I’ve seen this painting a couple of times “in the flesh” in Chicago - and despite my familiarity with it, I never noticed before the wisp of green leaves near the top left corner. It adds perspective and distance, like we are watching the scene from under a distant tree.
I find it interesting to learn about the artist’s rigidity with meticulous planning and desire to achieve symmetry, alongside his technique of building upon the work of art with many colored dots which sounds more abstract and less defined. Even though the finished piece appears to reflect a kind of perfection in the lines from one character to the next, it’s cool to know that came together with an accumulation of colorful dots which are round and curved.
Absolutely loved this. Thank you and keep making more such videos.
Another wonderful video of one my favorite paintings. I truly look forward to each of your videos.
These essays are amazing and I'm recommending them to everyone I know who has an interest in art!
c 'est passionnant et on aime encore plus cette peinture quand on s' approche des conceptions du peintre. merci CC
I grew up in Chicago and spent many, many days in the galleries of The Art Institute. Of course, one of the cornerstones is A Sunday on La Grande Jatte. Learning about this artwork is so deeply fascinating and has made me very nostalgic for those days gone by. Thank you very much for another incredible video
One of the many reasons I love Ferris Beuller's day off.
One of your best videos so far, absolutely loved it!
these videos keep getting better, thank you!
This is a great video! I knew nothing about this painting and this painter and I've learned a lot with this video!
Brilliant, always worth the wait
I was really so moved by this explanation and interested in this picture. Thanks a lot.
top notch as usual. Thanks!!
Thank you, you’re videos are beautiful art in itself.
Another great episode.