Seated nude 1905

Theo van Rysselberghe painted this 'Seated Nude' around 1905 with oil on canvas, using the Pointillist technique. The essence of Pointillism lies in its methodical application of tiny, distinct dots of pure color. Up close, you see only individual daubs. But as you step back, these points merge in your eye, creating a shimmering, luminous effect. This wasn't just a painting style; it was a scientific approach to art-making, championed by artists eager to embrace modern theories of optics and perception. Consider the labor involved in creating such a work. Each dot is a deliberate mark, a testament to the artist's patience and precision. Pointillism mirrors the industrial processes of the time, where repetitive tasks were the norm. It also resonates with the burgeoning consumer culture, where mass-produced goods were assembled from countless individual parts. Van Rysselberghe’s painting challenges the traditional hierarchy between artistic skill and industrial production. It elevates the status of the craftsman, recognizing the value of meticulous, repetitive labor in the creation of beauty.