Fishing Boats 

Paul Signac made this watercolor of fishing boats around 1928. Signac was a key figure in the development of French Pointillism, and his work offers a glimpse into the social and artistic currents of his time. Here, the vibrant harbor scene evokes a sense of leisure. But we might also consider the social structures underwriting the art world that Signac inhabited. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of a wealthy bourgeoisie in France, and this new class became major patrons of the arts. Signac himself came from such a background, and his paintings reflect the values and tastes of his peers. To understand this work more fully, we could consult historical records. These might reveal patterns of patronage, the art market, and the cultural values that shaped Signac's vision. Ultimately, the meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.