Étude pour ‘Le Chahut’ 1889

Georges Seurat created this oil on canvas sketch for ‘Le Chahut’ in France around 1889. Here, Seurat captured the energy of Parisian nightlife, depicting performers engaged in the ‘chahut,’ a provocative dance. The painting’s style, with its tiny dots of color, reflects Seurat’s pointillist technique. This method was partly influenced by scientific theories of the time that were focused on understanding perception, but it was also an attempt to show modern life. The overt sexuality of the can-can was scandalous, and some historians have suggested that Seurat, interested in radical politics, was keen to depict scenes that would offend the bourgeoisie. It’s worth noting that the Moulin Rouge opened in the same year that Seurat began this work! To understand this painting, it is crucial to consider not only its formal qualities but also the social context in which it was created. Examining period documents, newspapers, and even police records can provide valuable insights into the cultural significance of the ‘chahut’ and its reception by contemporary audiences.