The Rainbow: Study for 'Bathers at Asnières'

This is the only sketch for Seurat's Bathers at Asnières that includes a rainbow, which was painted over the sky once the paint had dried. Although perhaps a rather contrived image, the mottled sky suggests Seurat may have seen a rainbow. It is evidence of his attention to particular effects of light and atmosphere throughout the sketches - and in the final painting, with its effect of hazy morning sunshine.

The picture looks as though it was at least partly painted on site, rather than in the studio. For example, the black barges on the right and building in the background, depicted with just a few swift strokes, may have been painted directly on location. However, this is more developed than a quick sketch as it shows signs of having been composed rather than simply observed. The three figures have been deliberately placed with equal space between them.

Credit: Presented by Heinz Berggruen, 1995