Bathers at Asnières is an oil painting created by French artist Georges Seurat during the period of 1883-84. The painting shows a relaxing summer scene of working-class men and boys on the banks of the Seine river, catching some leisure time from their industrial work in nearby factories. Seurat made several preliminary studies including a smaller panel which he completed before starting on this large scale composition, which marked his first major work in terms of creativity and innovation.
The painting was initially disqualified from being entered into Salon, one of France’s most prestigious art exhibitions as it was not considered adequate for public display. Years later after his death Bathers at Asnières became widely acclaimed among critics and collectors; today it stands as a testament to Seurat’s innovative ideas regarding color theory and pointillism.
