Fort Saint-Jean, Marseilles 1907

Paul Signac created “Fort Saint-Jean, Marseilles” using oil paint applied to canvas in small, deliberate strokes. This painting exemplifies the pointillist technique he developed with Georges Seurat, building images from tiny dots of pure color. Look closely at the surface. The material quality of the paint is integral to the artwork's appearance. Signac’s brushstrokes, laid meticulously side by side, create a shimmering effect as the colors blend optically in the viewer's eye. The visual impact of Fort Saint-Jean is heightened through the way the paint is applied, with each dab contributing to the overall luminosity and texture. Consider the sheer labor involved in this process, a reminder of the artist’s dedication to his craft. Signac elevated the industrial materials of paint and canvas through his approach, imbuing the artwork with a sense of craftsmanship and aesthetic innovation that challenges traditional distinctions between high art and craft.