GEORGES SEURAT - 8

The Black Bow  - 1882 

In this piece, Seurat used a Conte crayon to create the textured surface.  The Conte crayon was a hard crayon made of charcoal and clay and didn't smudge as much as other crayons.

Conte Crayons

Seurat plays with light and shadow to provide a sense of depth and form.  It's a simple composition, yet it captures the elegant essence of the lady's fragile form.  The stark contrast between the darkness of the paper and the lighter strokes gives the piece a dramatic presence.  The jagged outline and deep black color of the bow is unlike the rest of her costume.  Note the halo of light that outlines the black bow, the focal point of the entire composition.

Through his graphic art skills, Seurat captures both the physical appearance and the emotional state of the lady.  Her expression reflects loneliness and perhaps hints at personal struggles she may be facing.  We are invited to contemplate what her story is and be sympathetic.  His ability to convey complex emotions through simple, yet powerful, imagery sets him apart as an artist.  

The Black Bow remains an important part of France's art heritage.  Its current presence within Musee d'Orsay in Paris allows visitors from around the world to appreciate its beauty, while contemplating its possible tragic symbolism.