This is a great work of Neo-Impressionism - basically painting with dots (a technique known as Pointillism). Impressionism, its forbearer, is painting by strokes (think Van Gogh and Monet).
To me it seems like the sun is setting. Boats are returning home with the day’s catch. The workers are covered in shadow, while the wealthy in golden castles sit at the opposite side of the water (a common motif of impressionism, ie The Laundress) with bright ship sails and celebrations. People working in the foreground, in the middle-ground people lavishly enjoying free time, and a large castle at the top of the hill in the background overseeing both classes below. In contrast, a homeless man sits in the lower-left, looking up to see what the other classes are doing.
The Laundress is new to me, great effect. I think we tried pointillism in A-Level art. This work has so much colour even in the shadows, like a full spectrum.
Add comment