Harbour at Port-en-Bessin at High Tide

Harbour at Port-en-Bessin at High Tide (1888) by Georges Seurat showcases the harbor of Port-en-Bessin, a small fishing village on the Normandy coast. The painting depicts boats anchored in the calm waters of the harbor during high tide, with the surrounding docks and buildings arranged in a balanced composition. Seurat uses his distinctive pointillist technique, applying small, precise dots of color to create the shimmering effect of light on the water and the textured surfaces of the boats and buildings. The palette consists of soft blues, greens, and earthy tones, which harmonize to convey the serene atmosphere of the coastal setting. The subtle gradations of color and light give depth and volume to the scene, highlighting Seurat’s mastery in depicting natural light and its interaction with the elements in a meticulously composed landscape.