Studies
These studies are closely related to Seurat's two large-scale paintings: Bathers at Asnières, hanging nearby, and Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte (about 1884-6; Art Institute of Chicago) showing contemporary Parisians at leisure on the banks of the Seine. Most were painted out-of-doors at the site, on small wooden panels which could easily be transported. These were essential to the process Seurat followed when developing his monumental compositions. Quick and vivid, with bright hues and white highlights, they are colouristically brilliant.