Georges Seurat, Bathers at Asnières, 1884, oil on canvas, 6.6 x 9.8 ft (National Gallery, London) Speakers: Dr. Beth Harris, Dr. Steven Zucker. Created by Beth Harris and Steven Zucker.
I'm reminded of the line from "Sunday in the Park with George," where the establishment artist laughs at this painting and says, "I must paint a factory next!"
This is a rare day where I can conceive watching a bather / recreation video unironically. 😌 It was exciting to hear off the bat that both of you consider this a favorite! It made me anticipate the enthusiasm and learning why. I appreciate the informal, not bougie or stuffy impression of this scene. The point about reducing the figures was interesting to me. It made me think of "everyman" - you don't know who these people are, but you do. They're familiar to you: an uncle or former friend or maybe even you yourself! I see myself as sitting casually on a break like this. I also co-sign Dr. Harris' point about bringing something more rigorous, thoughtful, and academic to this piece! The subject matter is mostly informal, but the way it's presented feels sophisticated, which is an interesting contrast. Random, but go figure, as I embraced the idea of rest, I discovered a small spider dangling precariously above my head, with my ceiling fan making his movements... untrustworthy, to say the least. He has been safely relocated where he can hopefully do a little bathing himself, lol. What a lovely note to end on. You both always bring amazing content and commentary to your videos, but Dr. Harris really handled her bidniz in this one. I enjoyed it a lot. ❤❤
Oh fun! We recently recorded a new audio on this painting and took lots of hi res photos, all we need is a little time to make it. But first grant-funded work... I haven't had a chance to edit the photos yet but here is an older set I took back in 2020 that at least give a better sense (than the video) of the colors and the brushwork: www.flickr.com/search/?sort=date-taken-desc&safe_search=1&tags=seuratbathers&user_id=82032880%40N00&view_all=1
George Seurat was never affiliated with the Impressionist movement, his artistic training began at the Ecole de Beau Art, the Academy, which was interrupted by year of military service. This painting, as with his other large paintings were thought out with the same thoroughness and predetermined design as with any of the old school, academic paintings.
You two have done a Fantastic job, as usual. I like your observations , knowledge and excitement.
Oh and of course this is a great work of art.
Observations and knowledge? Believe me, not worth more than 2 or 3/10
At best their comments are misleading, I am sad to say
I'm reminded of the line from "Sunday in the Park with George," where the establishment artist laughs at this painting and says, "I must paint a factory next!"
Thanks for this video! I live right there, which as an art historian is incredibly inspiring.
Thank you for your insights! I use these videos to help teach my students about art analysis.
This is a rare day where I can conceive watching a bather / recreation video unironically. 😌
It was exciting to hear off the bat that both of you consider this a favorite! It made me anticipate the enthusiasm and learning why.
I appreciate the informal, not bougie or stuffy impression of this scene.
The point about reducing the figures was interesting to me. It made me think of "everyman" - you don't know who these people are, but you do. They're familiar to you: an uncle or former friend or maybe even you yourself! I see myself as sitting casually on a break like this.
I also co-sign Dr. Harris' point about bringing something more rigorous, thoughtful, and academic to this piece! The subject matter is mostly informal, but the way it's presented feels sophisticated, which is an interesting contrast.
Random, but go figure, as I embraced the idea of rest, I discovered a small spider dangling precariously above my head, with my ceiling fan making his movements... untrustworthy, to say the least. He has been safely relocated where he can hopefully do a little bathing himself, lol.
What a lovely note to end on. You both always bring amazing content and commentary to your videos, but Dr. Harris really handled her bidniz in this one. I enjoyed it a lot. ❤❤
Oh fun! We recently recorded a new audio on this painting and took lots of hi res photos, all we need is a little time to make it. But first grant-funded work... I haven't had a chance to edit the photos yet but here is an older set I took back in 2020 that at least give a better sense (than the video) of the colors and the brushwork: www.flickr.com/search/?sort=date-taken-desc&safe_search=1&tags=seuratbathers&user_id=82032880%40N00&view_all=1
Seurat's execution of pointillism (or optical mixture, etc.) is definitely unique and still seemingly timeless in his style.
2:03 “Mapping out the sky, finishing a hat
Starting on a hat, finishing a hat
Look, I made a hat
Where there never was a hat”
- Stephen Sondheim
George Seurat was never affiliated with the Impressionist movement, his artistic training began at the Ecole de Beau Art, the Academy, which was interrupted by year of military service. This painting, as with his other large paintings were thought out with the same thoroughness and predetermined design as with any of the old school, academic paintings.
i never noticed the optical blending.. I guess that's the point lol.
lmao