This Painting Isn't As Boring As You Might Think. Here's Why.
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- čas přidán 29. 09. 2023
- Introducing "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat. At first glance, it transports us to an idyllic world, but upon closer examination, the façade begins to unravel. Seurat employed his distinctive technique of applying individual points of pure color to the canvas, a method he dubbed divisionism, now known as pointillism.
This picturesque scene unfolds on the Island of La Grande Jatte, a tranquil spot just outside Paris along the Seine River. In its time, it provided respite for the bourgeoisie seeking to escape the city's hustle and bustle. On Sundays, it became a gathering place for people of diverse social classes. Yet, as we explore the painting, our eyes are drawn to the monkey in the lower right corner, hinting at hidden complexities beneath the surface.
These subtle details are the essence of what makes this artwork so captivating. Seurat also created a sister piece on the opposite side of the river, titled "Bathers at Asnieres."
Upon its public unveiling, opinions on this painting diverged sharply. It is now widely regarded as a commentary on modern life rather than a celebration of it. Thank you so much for watching!
#arthistory #art #fineart #classicart
Credits:
Rain and smoke effect from Vecteezy
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![[Vowel]물고기는 물에서 살아야 해🐟🤣Fish have to live in the water #funny](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3G9MH063Cx4/mqdefault.jpg)
Comment below if you got the movie reference at the end 🤩 and let me know what other paintings you'd like to see me cover in the future!
Beullerrrr???
He's sick.
The Kiss by Klimt, please. I love it's sumptutious ambiguity as art, and the interesting personality of Klimt. It's the first and only piece of art I've bought in any form, because the image is so striking. Plus, although it's well known, it might not be so well understood.
Can you do a piece of art from the art deco era?
I'd love your take on THE CONVERSION OF SAUL/ST PAUL (the horse butt painting) by Caravaggio
I have some ideas for paintings you could do. The hireling shepherd, by William Holman Hunt. Édouard Manet, Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe, 1863; can’t speak French lmao. Also The Harvesters, by Peter Bruegel the elder. 1565
Also want to say, your channel is amazing. I’ve been watching it for awhile and it helps me better understand art. I love paintings especially. Thanks ❤
While I commend your effort to analyze Seurat's painting through the lens of his native language, I feel compelled, as a native speaker of French myself, to correct something you have said in this video:
While _pêcher_ does, in fact, mean "to fish", the word that means "to sin" is _pécher_ (note the different accents on the first "e"). Both words sound somewhat similar (but not identical) and it is not inconceivable that Seurat was making a pun of some sort, but I believe he was simply referring to the expression _aller à la pêche_ (lit., "to go fishing"), which means "to look for something without a specific method or plan" or "to attempt to catch something", which could very well apply to a prostitue trying to "catch" a man.
That being said, this was a very interesting video, as are all your videos. Keep up the great work!
Potatoe, Potato, Patate.
@@curtisbryce5096 I respectfully disagree, and it really is called _pomme de terre_ . If you feel that fishing and sinning are the same thing, then there isn't much I can say to change your mind. That doesn't make it correct from a linguistic standpoint.
@@MOONSUN4Life You definitely need an enema. It seems you have a sense of humor that may have been misplaced.
@@curtisbryce5096 Telling someone who obviously knows more about the topic than you do, who in a civil , respectful manner adds interesting background information?
That his knowledge doesnt matter. Because you feel so. With ad hominem derision mixed in :
NOT as good a look as you seem to imagine.
@@user-un8tv1pp8m You are definitely suffering from constipation. You need to get that looked at.
I swear the relaxed working-class guy is a mix of Javier Bardem and Robert Pattinson 😂😂😂 Love your videos!
Yes!
😁
I’m pretty sure he’s a rower. Maybe not so working class.
I have no idea who you are talking about 🤔 ☺️
Yes, he’s a rower relaxing on the grass and since he’s wearing a rowing outfit he not working class. No big deal if there are mistresses in the picture. Many bourgeois men went to visit their mistresses in their long lunch times and it was seen as normal at the time.
I feel you placing modern US moral values on a very different time and place.
It is a wonderful painting and it’s well worth seeing. The biggest surprise is how large it is.
Your voice is easy to listen to and your content mixes humour with analysis. You have a great channel. Thank you
Wow! Thank you so much!
My late mom received an MFA from the Art Institute of Chicago. She took me there to see this painting (and others) many years ago, and I have an emotional connection with it as a result. I remember that she explained pointillism to me, and I remember my subsequent fascination with the dots. Forever after, an image of this painting immediately comes to my mind when I encounter the word, “pointillism”.
Thank you so much for helping me to appreciate this painting so much more deeply than I had previously.
"Things aren't always what they seem."
My major takeaway from watching 99% of your videos :)
I love paintings like that!
Such a beautiful and intriguing painting. I had no idea he died so young! I can't help but wonder what other amazing paintings we might have had today if he would have lived a longer life... Thank you so much for doing these videos, they teach me so very much that I don't think I would have learnt otherwise.
Beautiful as always!! This has always been a fascinating painting but I had no idea of the story/history/puns behind it!
Thank you! It's wild!
same here.
My cultural exposure is comparatively limited, so thank you for introducing me to "Bathers". Even though it was 'rejected' I found it to be really engaging. I felt more connected to it than I've ever been to Sunday Afternoon.
I agree... learning about this "sister painting" has extended my appreciation of "Sunday Afternoon", gratitude renewed for the broader view.
I love this channel. Informative, educational, entertaining and of course her sense of humour is on point. Kudos and keep 'em coming.
Thank you Jeremy! Will do!
I always look forward to these videos. I love the humor and the fact that I'm finding out more about these art pieces. So interesting!
💥❤💥
This has long been one of my all time favorite paintings. I’ve seen the original in Chicago and it’s pretty amazing. I love the Sondheim musical based on it, and the musical orchestration is…wait for it….pointillistic. Thank you for the illumination of the figures in the painting. I’ve always been amazed by the sheer scope and technique of the work, but never stopped to think about the figures in the painting, and what they mean.
I was at the same chicago exhibit. Possibly we passed each other without knowing it. WOW
I think you made a good effort, One thing you might have to do is have another look at Paris clothing. You said the woman was wearing "very fancy" clothing - actually no. This was normal everyday clothing in 1884. Fancy Parisian dress was a whole other thing.
"Boop" 🤭 Too funny and cute. I absolutely love, love, love your videos. I get so excited when I get a notification of a new video. I've learned so much about art. Thank you for making this channel. Take care. ❤
"LOOK! A butterfly!" 🤣😂 Yours is one of the very few notification bells I have cicked on CZcams. You are funny and pleasingly informative. My 2 favorite attributes! 🥰
Haha🦋! Thank you!
@@Art_Deco LOOK! A butterfly
And nothing exept... "Sunday in the park with George!" ❤
Watching this got me in the mood to watch Sunday in the Park With George for a millionth time
Thank you for pointing out the monkey, which I had not noticed before.
I love this painting. It's so visually calming and (to me) feel like a fuzzy blanket. It instantly makes me think up story lines for these people and helps me relax.
You might enjoy Sunday In the Park With George. The original production starred Bernadette Peters (before Into the Woods) and Mandy Patinkin (Inigo Montoya).
Love, love this channel. I rarely post and am enamored! How could I have missed all of the cool stuff in this painting?
Thank you! It has so many Easter eggs!
Basically he invented the color TV
So true!
I have seen this painting g in person several times thru decades. Never noticed the monkey! Wow!
Aaaah, It seems that Seurat had a fever of dots, maybe the predecessor of kusama, and decided to place each dot on his canvas with love and dedication. You can imagine that while creating this masterful puntillistic puzzle, he had to regularly wear glasses to check that he was really painting and not just counting the park's pebble paths.
One of my favorite painters…I’ve loved his work since childhood. His ability to capture the separateness and isolation of modern life, as well as the exhaustion of the working class, which can be seen in The Bathers, speaks to his genius. Excellent video.
I recently spent a day at the Chicago Art Institute and at least 20 minutes staring at this amazing work. Of course the thing that surprised me most was the size, this is a MASSIVE canvas and I'm so happy that the Institute makes it so wonderfully accessible. The uniformity of the dots is insane, I cannot imagine how time consuming and exacting this was to create just on the mechanical side alone. I really wondered about the monkey, and hearing your in-depth explanation makes me respect Seurat even more. Thank you!
This channel is a piece of art itself
I don't know if this is the movie you're referencing, but I do remember this painting was in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. There was a scene in the movie where the friend was staring at this painting and the tiny dots.
I’m fairly certain that was the point.
I really enjoy your videos. You provide a combination of history, art critique and even a commentary on humanity. My favorite course in college was Art History. I dropped out after 2 years but always have been interested in art. Often thought I would be a tour guide in a museum once I retire.
I would love to watch your interpretation of works of Polish XIX-XX century painter Jacek Malczewski. Poland do not have too many world famous painters, but Malczewski for sure is one of the most unique and interesting ones. He was one of most important representatives of Young Poland movement (a branch of modernism). He mixed great skill, interesting techniques and abundance of social, religious and mythical symbolism.
Why was that 'boop' at 5:14 so cute? I could listen to it all day!
@Artdeco you always manage to pull a belly laugh out of me 😂 I adore you ❤ thank you for existing!
Aw! Thank you 😊
@Art Deco, You'll get million subs here soon I know it. This content has your personal taste and inflection, of which totally gives it your character, along with the professional edge to refine it all. I feel your channel is different from the other art YT channels because it feels like talking/listening to someone who is passionate, knowledgeable and relatable to an individual in the field which also works for those who are not. This will separate you from all the channels with just a good narrator. Keep it up!
i love your videos so much! this has always been one of my favourite paintings. Seurat's technique of pointillism reminds me somewhat of pixels on a screen.
The discoveries of optics Seurat used to develop his system are at the root of the invention of television and pixels on screens. Different applications of same principles.
Thanks. His work fascinated me when I was in my teens and seeing this again after so many years brought back a lot of memories. Great video as always.
Thank you, Dave! I'm so happy you enjoyed the video and thank you for the generous Super Thanks!
@@Art_Deco 😊👍
Another thing about this painting- it is ENORMOUS.
One of the most iconic paintings of all time and meanwhile I click because “Hehe funny monkey”
The ending is a perfect shout out.
I had to do it! Their facial expressions are uncannily similar!
Expected an art lesson, did not expect attached puns 💯.
By the way, you have a very calming voice.
I wonder why he chose to point the bell of the trumpet into the trumpet players face ?? I dont recall ever seeing any trumpet shaped that way.. Or even if it was supposed to be a trombone same design problem.. Also there is a young girl on one leg "in motion" towards the rear.. You were discussing the dog being in motion too...
I think that's just a horn
I loved seeing this painting in person. It was so much bigger than I expected
happy to see a video about my favorite painting :)
Awesome!!
Did I pick up on the Ferris Bueller reference? Yes. Do I love you and your work even more for it? Also, yes.
This is 1 of my most favorite paintings ever. I really enjoy the pointillist paintings.
Love the way you analyze each painting with both seriousness and humor.
Could you maybe do Stanislaw Wyspianski Portrait of Eliza Parenska? This is a favorite and the colors are fabulous, not to mention the sadness of the young girl. Thanks
I so appreciate this critique! What a lovely man! I always saw the little girl in the center and had not noticed the jumping running little one. I would have never seen the nurse, I likely dismissed it as a chair. I did not put so much weight on the little monkey. It seems like a normal pet for the day. So all the symbolism is fascinating. The boys on the shore in the workmen's painting remind me of my sons. I believe the artist trusted the majority of the public to really see that for it's own merit.
"This Painting Isn't As Perfect As It Seems."
Goes on to describe everything that makes the painting perfect...
cry?
There is so much meaning going on in that painting once you understand the society the artist lived in!
No surprise that his wife was from a different "class"! He was obviously able to see the humanity in all the people on both sides of the river!
Oh, movie reference!? FERRIS BUELER, of course!
Any chance of doing one of these on a painting by Matisse?
What always gets me is how large this painting is. I loved standing in front of it as a kid-it was utterly immersive! (It's at the Art Institute in Chicago!)
This is the best edited, most informative, most entertaining, all around best explainer of this painting of all time. I've sent so many friends to this video to destroy their image of this supposedly simple, pleasant afternoon by the water. Thank you for your help.
I worked at an elementary school a while back and this painting was in one of the classrooms. Even before I knew the history behind this painting and the story it told, I thought it was a strange painting to have in an elementary school. It made me feel uneasy just looking at it. All those dots!
Just to add to the ideas you present about the painting: The musician you mention is playing a french horn, recognisable by the bell being turned backwards. By the pose he strikes with the instrument, he plays a cor de chasse, or hunting horn, which adds another frivolous detail.
Love your work, BTW.
I really love your videos, your voice is perfect for them! Thank you!!
This channel has gotten me into art history, and has always been one of my favorite paintings because of the musical :)
I love this painting. I smile every time I see it.
The cheeky homage to the "Cameron" character in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" at the end of the video was nostalgic n funny. 😊
I remember in my middle school art class "Seurot painted dots". He was one of the first six artists I learned about. The others were Georgia O'Keefe, Vincent Van Gogh, Kandinsky, Jackson Pollock and Piet Mondrion.
To me, it always imparted the facade we show the world vs. what's really going on under the surface. Kinda like how Instagram is today. I was so fascinated by this form of art that it has been my go to comfort doodle style since I was a kid. Having ADHD, doodling always helped me pay attention, so all the notebook papers I turned in always had little orbs that I would sketch together like a clump of bubbles then fill in with stippling using my quad colored pen. When I worked at call centers, I my coworkers would ask for little scenes of beaches and sunsets they could pin to their cubicles. It's a very meditative and soothing process and definitely helps time pass more quickly!
You do such a great job on these videos. I learn so much about these paintings and artists. Your editing skills are really awesome too! Keep up great work!
Really enjoy your videos - love learning about art history! Immediately thought of Cameron in FBDO when I saw the thumbnail!! ❤
I used to have this painting in my school. I was amazed that it was made of dots
This is my favorite CZcams channel
It doesn't have to be perfect it just has to be amazing
I knew about this painting but the backstory,; good Gods. There is a reason why this is one of my favorite channels.
I thank you for these slices of art history. Keep them coming I am fascinated to hear more. I only ask that make time for life so that you don't burn out . Thank you for the hard work.
Love your explanation/analysis of art, funny, compelling, and inspiring! your channel has broadened my perception and understanding of classic pieces 😇❤️
I’ve always loved Seurat’s work, and this painting in particular.
You have a very unique and entertaining way to educate us about these great works of art.
I truly enjoy each and every one of your videos.
Greatvideo! Thank you!
Always pumped when you release a new video. I've always enjoyed art, but never studied it at all - your presentation style keeps me engaged long enough to like, actually learn stuff!
I love your channel! As soon as I saw Art Deco pop up on my alerts I stopped everything to watch. Your videos are always brilliant. Thank you very much!
Thank you so much!
Art Deo's Day Off! only you're very, very on - on point, that is! Thanks for doing these. Love your commentary and your humor.
Love, love, love your amazing videos. You remind me how much I love art. It's the stories and the history. You lay both out wonderfully. Thank you!
First vid I've ever seen of yours. LOVE it. Instant subscriber; looking forward to more of this creative commentary!
Oh @Art_Deco, you are so great! Waldemar Januszczak would totally absolutely love your videos!
Unfortunately I can’t see this painting withOUT thinking about that movie.
Your videos are so fascinating. You are a dying breed and I appreciate you so, so much! Absolutely amazing.
I love your videos so much. You bring so much to the paintings. In particular, I've seen this painting my whole life and I'd say it's been taken in such an opposite way. I'd bet that many of the people looking at it in the US at least (but also France, tbh) have no idea not only about the prostitution but also idealize the view of the bourgeoisie here.The juxtaposition with The Bathers and your discussion of all of these now hidden dimensions just really made this for me. Also great production quality to your videos and engaging voice!
Thank you, a pleasure to learn this.
This comparison between the two waterside painting really help me understand the significance of both. The working-class bathers feel a lot less mannequin-like. many of the figures in the other picture have bolt-straight charm-school-like posture that remind us that all the women are wearing corsetry. Even at rest, they are posing and being seen. Animals meander and run, but every child except the orange-dress girl is right beside a parent, tightly controlled. That posture just isn't familiar today and would seem unnerving, so it's hard to know if it's been much exaggerated from what would have been seen at the time.
Meanwhile, the young workers swimming have much more relatable body-language. Arguably, every one is slouching or lounging in some way. These guys without their family units around them and it's hard to tell who knows who or if they all know eachother, whereas all the folks in the other painting are neatly parsed out into personal space for themselves and whoever they are with or not. Certainly this is a more relational community, however, with everyone closer together and the furthest out right guy standing in the water with hands around his mouth, potentially calling across the water to some person we can't see accross it or in a boat--someone that he may, or may not know. Many people in both pictures have their eyes out of view in some way, because of hats, or hair, or the way they are turned and facial expressions are pretty blank, so everything is about body language here. I think that has to be intentional, because a lot can be said about it.
I can listen to your voice explain how pain dries it’s so soothing and enthralling
Perhaps we could call Seurat the great grandfather of the pixel?😊
Always super enjoyable. Thank you for your hard work. ❤❤
your vids are so informative, entertaining and well done. Thanks.
I have always marveled at this painting and so enjoyed your tongue in cheek commentary. Thank you so much.
Love the Ferris Bueller refence at the end! As always, an amazing and engaging video.
your analysis are always delightful
One of your best videos to date. Love it! Thanks for posting!
I love this can channel so much! I know the research must be forever-taking but it's so hard to wait for new videos. This painting I see often. We take advantage of resident-free days at the Art Institute in Chicago at least twice a month, at least. I always have to visit my favorite Van Gogh before we leave and that requires passing this piece to and from the hallway. Now, I will have to take a closer look at it.
If this piece was boring I doubt we would all be here enjoying your analysis.
My Art Queen with the ASMR voice is back! The wait is worth it. I truly appreciate the time and effort you put into your segments. You make art so interesting to even the layman. Terrific job of balancing education and humor. I do wonder how long it takes to create a painting between “da dots” and longer intentional strokes. Next time in France, I’ll look for the ladies either walking a monkey or fishing by a stream😉. Wish me luck folks😆👍.
Do you have a team of editors or something? This is so well made.
I was able to have seen this painting at the Chicago Museum of Art. It has an etheral glow to it.
As usual, really interesting! Love your videos!
Many great insights. Thank you!
You have such interesting insights into paintings.
Another home run video, thank you. Love your narration and sense of humor.
Your videos are SO good!! Thank you. I didn't know/remember there was a "sister" painting with "the LEFT side of the river". I like how both also look at each other from afar.
Thanks for another great video!
Thank you so much for supporting the channel!
Very nice !
Awesome video. Appreciate your work
What a great video had so much fun learning on this one. Will watch another video on the channel today. This was fun.
i have spent ages gazing at this painting
Sooooooo fascinating. I wish you had been my art history teacher many years ago! 🤩