Pont Neuf 1912

Hippolyte Petitjean made this painting of the Pont Neuf in Paris, using the pointillist technique. Pointillism is all about the methodical application of tiny dots of pure color, which blend in the viewer's eye. The artist painstakingly built up the image dot by dot, paying careful attention to color theory. The result isn't just a picture of a bridge, but a shimmering surface of light and color. It takes a great deal of labor to create a work like this. Petitjean was part of a wider, socially conscious artistic movement. The painting's labor-intensive process, reminiscent of craft traditions, challenged the perceived divide between fine art and skilled handwork. The seemingly simple application of paint becomes a testament to the value of labor. So, next time you look at a pointillist work, remember that it's not just about the image, but the process, the materials, and the social context that gives it deeper meaning.