Morning on the Marne at Meaux 1885 - 1886

Albert Dubois-Pillet created "Morning on the Marne at Meaux" using the pointillist technique. The composition is striking: the scene is framed within a perfect circle, a world complete within itself. Notice the meticulous application of tiny dots—a hallmark of pointillism—that build up the image, from the sky, dotted with blues and whites, to the river below, a mosaic of cool blues and greens. The buildings and foliage emerge from the canvas, thanks to the vibrant juxtapositions of color. Dubois-Pillet, influenced by scientific color theory, sought to achieve luminosity and visual vibration through this technique. By separating colors into individual points, the artist engages the viewer's eye to mix them optically. This approach breaks down the traditional methods of painting, challenging our perception and understanding of form and space. The circular frame further abstracts the scene, emphasizing the constructed, rather than the representational, aspect of the landscape.