Four Bathers 

Theo van Rysselberghe painted "Four Bathers" using a mosaic of small brushstrokes. Notice how the entire composition is made up of dots of colour that create a vibrant, shimmering surface. This technique, known as pointillism, seeks to blend colours in the viewer's eye, rather than on the canvas. Rysselberghe was interested in theories developed by Michel Eugène Chevreul on optical mixture and colour perception. The painting’s power resides not only in its aesthetic appeal, but also in its engagement with contemporary scientific theories about how we perceive the world. The arrangement of figures in "Four Bathers" is also carefully constructed. The women are placed to form a circle, creating a sense of unity and harmony. This circular composition, combined with the soft, dappled light, creates a sense of timelessness, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between nature, colour, and the human form.