A method of painting developed by Seurat and Signac in the 1880s. It used dabs of pure color that were intended to mix in the eyes of viewers rather than on the canvas. It is also called divisionism or neoimpressionism.

Seurat and Signac revolutionized the art world with their innovative painting technique known as divisionism or neoimpressionism. This artistic method, developed in the 1880s, involved the application of small dabs or strokes of pure colors onto the canvas. The intention behind this technique was to create an optical mixing of colors in the eyes of the viewers, rather than relying on traditional color blending techniques directly on the canvas.

The concept behind divisionism stemmed from the belief that the human eye perceives color by blending adjacent hues. Seurat and Signac, along with other artists of the time, aimed to capture and portray the vibrant effects of light and color in their paintings. By strategically placing contrasting colors side by side, they sought to create a sense of vibrancy and luminosity in their artworks.

Divisionism was a departure from the traditional approach to painting, where colors were typically mixed on the palette or directly on the canvas. Instead, artists using this technique built up their compositions using individual dabs of color. These dabs of pure pigment were applied in a systematic and meticulous manner, creating a mosaic-like effect when viewed from a distance.

The technique of divisionism had a profound impact on the art world, influencing subsequent movements such as pointillism and fauvism. The meticulous nature of this technique required artists to have a deep understanding of color theory and the effects of light. It also required a patient and meticulous approach to applying the tiny dabs of color, resulting in paintings that were visually striking and captivating.

Today, divisionism and neoimpressionism are recognized as important movements in the development of modern art. The technique continues to inspire contemporary artists, and the works of Seurat and Signac are celebrated for their unique approach to color and light.

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