End of the Jetty, Honfleur 1886

Georges Seurat created "End of the Jetty, Honfleur" using oil on canvas. The painting presents a scene veiled in a soft, diffused light, achieved through Seurat's meticulous pointillist technique, eliciting a tranquil emotional response. The composition is structured by a balance between the horizontal expanse of the sea and sky, and the vertical elements of the jetty and lighthouse. Note the use of small, distinct dots of color that blend optically, creating a shimmering surface and a sense of atmospheric unity. The painting flattens depth, emphasizing surface and pattern over traditional perspective, thus challenging conventional modes of representation. Seurat’s technique reflects a scientific approach to painting, influenced by theories of optics and color perception. Yet, it also transcends mere scientific illustration. The calculated application of paint destabilizes the distinction between objective observation and subjective experience. This work invites us to consider how art can function as both an analytical tool and a poetic expression, offering new ways of seeing and understanding the world.