Opus 217. Against the Enamel of a Background Rhythmic with Beats and Angles, Tones, and Tints, Portrait of Félix Fénéon

The man depicted on this painting is not a magician from the circus—Fénéon was a Parisian anarchist, art dealer, collector, curator, political activist, and critic during the late 19th century. He coined the term "Neo-impressionism," which he used in 1886 to identify a group of artists, led by Georges Seurat, whom he ardently promoted. The piece’s swirling background is a kaleidoscopic depiction of optical theorist Charles Henry's recently published color wheel.