Les Andelys, Côte d’Aval 1886

Paul Signac made this painting, Les Andelys, Côte d’Aval, with oil on canvas, likely in 1886. It depicts a view of the town of Les Andelys in Normandy, France, with its distinctive chalk cliffs and the river Seine. Signac was a leading figure in the Neo-Impressionist movement, and this work exemplifies the group's emphasis on scientific theories of color and perception. This approach was progressive at the time, as the French academy favored very different painting techniques and subject matter. Notice how Signac uses small, distinct dots of pure color, a technique known as pointillism, to create a vibrant and luminous effect. By applying the paint in this way, Signac believed that he could achieve a more intense and harmonious color experience for the viewer. To truly understand Signac's art, it's important to consider not only the formal qualities of his paintings but also the social and intellectual context in which they were created, looking at exhibition reviews, artists' letters, and other first-hand accounts. Doing so helps us see how art reflects broader cultural values and beliefs.