Theo van Rysselberghe
Painted in 1893, Jeune femme en robe verte (Germaine Maréchal) is a rare and stunning example of Pointillist portraiture, a genre in which Théo Van Rysselberghe was one of the leading protagonists. This picture is believed to show Germaine Maréchal, the niece of Van Rysselberghe's wife Maria, adding another fascinating historical and profoundly personal dimension to this portrait.
Van Rysselberghe was one of the undisputed leaders of the booming Belgian Neo-Impressionist movement. In this picture, he has used the hallmark contrasts between the tiny areas of color to give that extra vibrancy to the image of his sitter, embracing current scientific theories about the ability to perceive color in order to add life and intensity to the painting. In this way, like several of his Neo-Impressionist contemporaries, he has brought modern developments into the realm of art, creating a picture which, while filled with poise and stillness and the character of the sitter, is nonetheless a banner celebrating a new dimension in painting.
Have a great Friday everyone!
P.S. If you want to know more about where Pointillism developed, read Post-Impressionism: Artists, Paintings, and Everything You Need to Know here and if you want a general quick reminder about art history epochs and movements, check here for Back to School: The Great Art History 101!
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