A Man Leaning on a Parapet c. 1881

"A Man Leaning on a Parapet" is an oil painting by the French post-impressionist artist Georges Seurat, created in 1881. The painting depicts a solitary figure, a man, standing on a parapet, gazing out towards a hazy cityscape. The composition is simple and austere, with the figure positioned against a backdrop of muted colors and a blurred cityscape. Seurat, known for his innovative use of pointillism, creates a unique textural effect, emphasizing the impressionistic nature of the scene. The painting exemplifies Seurat's early exploration of light and shadow, and his evolving style before he fully developed the pointillist technique for which he is now famous.