Seurat and the Sea

This catalogue charts the evolution of the radical and distinctive style of French artist Georges Seurat through the recurring motif of the sea

Seurat and the Sea is a scholarly and visually rich catalogue accompanying a landmark exhibition at The Courtauld, London, the first exhibition devoted to Seurat’s seascapes. Georges Seurat (1859–1891), known for pioneering the Neo-Impressionist technique of using small dots of pure colour, developed a luminous and atmospheric style that evolved notably through his repeated engagement with maritime themes.

The book brings together paintings, oil sketches, and drawings produced during five summers spent on France’s northern coast between 1885 and 1890, in towns such as Honfleur, Port-en-Bessin, and Gravelines. These works, featuring seascapes, regattas, and harbour scenes, contrast with Seurat’s better-known Parisian imagery and reflect his desire to escape studio confines and depict the clarity of natural light.

The catalogue highlights how these works deepened Seurat’s exploration of colour and form and played a vital role in expanding his influence. Drawn from global collections, the works reaffirm Seurat’s lasting artistic significance.

Exhibition Schedule:

The Courtauld Gallery, London
(13 February–17 May 2026)

Published by Paul Holberton Publishing/Distributed by Yale University Press