WHAT? Seurat and the Sea

WHERE? Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN

WHEN? Now until 17th May

WHY GO? To be swept away. Instantly recognisable for the dotty splendour of juxtaposing small specks of colour, French artist Seurat, creator of ‘pointillism’ or Neo-Impressionism, is celebrated in this, the first exhibition devoted to his shimmering seascapes.

Seurat's ‘A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte’, and the inspiration for Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park, is famed the world over, yet his seascapes, which are equally masterful, are far less well known. Many of the 26 paintings, oil sketches and drawings on show seem almost to be personal visions of his love for the northern coast of France. Towns like Honfleur, Port-en-Bessin and Gravelines, with their serene or wild landscapes, are represented in his unique distinctive style and all were created between 1885–1890.

Given that this extraordinary artist died at such an early age, just 31, of pneumonia, meningitis or possibly diphtheria, it’s remarkable that he achieved so much in such a short time. To see his luminous seascapes so intimately curated as a group in such a prestigious gallery is a rare treat. The Courtauld is home to the largest collection of his works in the UK.

Seurat's legacy lives on through contemporary artists who have been inspired by his technique; Bridget Riley paid tribute to him in her acclaimed 2015 exhibition, Learning from Seurat. His distinctive ‘dabs and dots’ will continue to inspire and provide joy forever.

IN THE KNOW Home alone? Take a virtual tour of the Courtauld Gallery’s glorious permanent collection. Click online and roam through room after room to focus on your favourite painting; maybe it’s Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear or The Card Players, by Cezanne?

Zone in on contemporary artist Cecily Brown’s colourful panel above the central curved staircase, Unmoored From Her Reflection, which was unveiled in 2021.