In Seurat’s opinion a painting should be more than a mere depiction of reality. It has to express a mood, for instance joy, peace and quiet or sadness. In ‘Le Chahut’ Seurat emphasises the merry atmosphere in a Parisian café through light, warm colours and many upward lines. The dancers’ legs, the conductor’s hand, the gentlemen’s moustaches, the corners of the ladies’ mouths and eyes, the neck of the double bass, even the flowers in the background all point upwards.
Press A for more information on the painting, or press B for more information on Seurat’s working method.