Seurat and the Sea

Calming exhibition at the Courtauld Gallery looking at late works by Seurat of towns on the North Coast of France.

The show brings together 26 paintings, oil sketches and drawings made by the artist during the five summers he spent on the northern coast of France, between 1885 and 1890. They are arranged chronologically with an excellent commentary and in some cases reproductions of postcards of the same scene. It is amazing how he builds such clear and accurate scenes out of dabs of colour.

Despite the fact the show was very busy, the paintings had a calming effect, slowing people down with the pastel colours. I'd gone expecting to like the pure seascapes best, but I loved the scenes of coastal towns with signs of modern life. I think my favourite was this one of a busy harbour.

Closes 15 May 2026


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