Paris, la Seine, Notre-Dame au loin 1898

Maximilien Luce painted this view of the Seine with Notre-Dame in the distance, using oil on canvas. The image creates meaning through its depiction of the Parisian landscape, capturing a moment in time, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. Luce was associated with the Neo-Impressionist movement. His technique employed small strokes of contrasting colors, reflecting the scientific theories of color and perception that were influential at the time. Beyond the aesthetic qualities, we might also ask what this painting says about the artist's engagement with the social structures of his time. It is important to remember that this was a period of rapid industrialization and social change in France. To gain a deeper understanding of this artwork, the social and political context, along with studies of Luce and his contemporaries can be consulted. Understanding art is dependent on social and institutional context.