Pine Tree at Saint Tropez by Paul Signac – perception of the surrounding world through the bright colors of pointillism
“Pine Berto. Saint-Tropez” – a painting by Paul Signac, painted in 1909, is considered a striking example of the pointillism style he developed. The artist applied rectangular strokes to the canvas in different directions, depending on the shape they conveyed. They do not mix, forming a light mosaic relief. The central part of the work is occupied by a spreading pine tree. The light of the setting sun, created by a combination of yellow, orange and red tones, tints the outer part of the crown, falls on the surrounding bushes, and falls on the path.
For the sky, the author used pink, soft lilac and greenish colors. Contrasting blue and purple shadows give volume to the picturesque forest. The deep twilight shades in the tree crown visually tend to the lower right corner, creating a diagonal between the upper third of the picture and the ground. The color accents in the image approach the golden ratio, creating the perfect balance of the palette. Thanks to this, the landscape is perceived as fabulous and emotionally rich.
Paul Signac. Painting “Pine Berto. Saint-Tropez”, 1909 Title of the painting: “Pine Berto. Saint-Tropez” (French: Le Pin de Bertaud Gassin).
Author: Paul Signac (1863-1935).
Year of writing: 1909
Size: 72 x 92 cm.
Style: Neo-impressionism, pointillism.
Genre: Landscape.
Technique: Oil painting.
Material: Canvas.
Location: State Museum of Fine Arts named after A. S. Pushkin, Moscow.
About the artist
Among French artists, Paul Signac is considered a bold experimenter who laid the foundation for divisionism – the technique of separate application of strokes. During his lifetime he was recognized as a classic of the new movement, and in 1911 he received the Order of the Legion of Honor for his painting works.
Above the painting “Berto Pine. Saint-Tropez” the master worked in the studio under artificial lighting. In his opinion, to convey decorative tasks there is no need to chase the effects of natural light. It is enough to recreate it again using paints. It is not known exactly when the famous work ended up in Russia, but until 1918 it was kept in the private collection of S.I. Shchukin. After the nationalization of artistic values, it was placed in the collection of the Museum of New Western Art, from where in 1948 it was transferred to the State Museum of Fine Arts named after A. S. Pushkin.
Painting “Pine Berto. Saint-Tropez” by Paul Signac is memorable at first sight. It is bright, looks like a panel or embroidery, which amazingly conveys the impression of late evening.
