With Seurat the stippling technique and the choice of subject matter are all inextricably connected. He is fascinated by the effect of light and colour and deliberately seeks a systematic, almost scientific way to represent it. Despite the suggestion of movement, ‘Le Chahut’ seems stylised and restrained. The wild dance and the sparkling circus acts are captured in tight plans of dots, lines and colour combinations. It is not a fleeting scene from the Parisian nightlife, but a well thought-out and directed painting.
Press A for more information on the painting, or press B for more information on Seurat’s working method.