Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Models" (French: "Les Poseuses") is a captivating work of art by Georges Seurat completed in 1888. This painting, rendered in the artist's pioneering pointillist technique, vividly captures three female models in a studio setting, all captured from different angles and in various poses. The models are depicted both clothed and unclothed, showcasing Seurat’s keen observational skills and dedication to the naturalistic depiction of the human figure.

The composition is divided into three sections, with each of the models engaged in different activities. On the left, a woman stands unclothed, slightly turned away from the viewer as she adjusts her hair. In the center, another model sits, leisurely in a pensive pose, and on the right, a fully dressed model is shown from the back, wearing a strikingly detailed gown, adding a layer of intricacy to the scene. The background features a glimpse of Seurat's iconic painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," linking "Models" directly to one of his most famous works and subtly reminding the viewer of his mastery in creating complex compositions.

Seurat’s pointillism technique is on full display in "Models." This technique involves applying tiny, distinct dots of color directly onto the canvas, which, when viewed from a distance, visually blend to form a cohesive image. The meticulous application of color not only adds vibrancy and a sense of luminosity to the painting but also reflects Seurat’s scientific approach to color theory and optical effects.

About the Painting and the Artist

Georges Seurat was a leading figure in the post-impressionist movement, particularly known for his development of pointillism, or divisionism. His career was defined by his efforts to bring a scientific rigor to the study of light and color in painting, which set him apart from the more spontaneous and emotive approach of the impressionists. "Models" exemplifies this approach, demonstrating his commitment to technique and attention to detail.

The original "Models" currently resides in the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This painting fits into Seurat’s career as a sophisticated exploration of a classical subject (the artist’s model) with a groundbreaking technique. It also represents a narrative continuity and a hinterland of his much-celebrated "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." By placing these ordinary models literally in the shadow of a monumental work, Seurat comments on the art-making process, the differing contexts of public art and private study, and the everyday lives behind major artistic achievements.

"Models" also hints at Seurat's interest in modern life and the role of the artist. The inclusion of a finished, celebrated painting within the scene of artistic creation blurs the lines between high art and its production, between the celebrated artwork and the daily labor that produces it.

In conclusion, "Models" is a striking testament to Seurat’s innovative spirit and artistic vision, combining his scientific interest in color and light with a poignant commentary on the everyday work behind grand artistic creations. This painting not only showcases Seurat’s technique and attention to detail but also provides profound insights into the world of art and the life of an artist during his era.