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Evening Calm, Concarneau, opus 220 (allegro maestoso)
- Original dimensions
- 81.3 x 64.8 cm
- Museum
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Year
- 1891
Scene depicted
In this painting , Signac transports us to the peaceful shores of Concarneau, where the gentle twilight bathes the landscape in a golden and fleeting light. The anchored sailboats, skinned by the reflections of the last rays of the day, seem to dance with the waves. Each element of this composition tells a story of tranquility and natural beauty, evoking dreams of a bygone era.
Historical context
Created in 1891 in Concarneau, a picturesque little Breton town, this painting by Paul Signac is at the heart of the pointillist movement, of which he is one of the pioneers. Each brushstroke reflects an era rich in colors and sensations, where Impressionism evolves into a more structured and scientific form. Today, this exceptional canvas is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art , preserved for future generations, spanning generous dimensions of 81.3 by 64.8 cm.
Place in the artist's career
This masterpiece is part of Signac's mature period, marked by a technical mastery of light and color. Alongside other iconic paintings such as The Port of Marseille and Portrait of Félix Fénéon , Calm of Evening reveals the evolution of his pictorial language, blending light and weightlessness, a testament to an artist in search of harmony.
Anecdote
“Art is a light that illuminates the soul,” said Signac, inspired by the evening lights on the calm waters. This masterpiece is a reflection of a twilight felt during one of his walks. Imbued by the gentle whisper of the waves and the salty air, he captured this essence in a canvas vibrant with emotions and colors.