A River Bank (The Seine at Asnières)

Painted in 1883 and now at the National Gallery in London, this small panel study of the Seine bank at Asnières is one of several location studies produced in preparation for the large 'Bathers at Asnières' of 1884. Seurat approached his monumental compositions with the methodical preparation of an Old Master, producing numerous oil sketches from nature before committing to the studio canvas. The river bank at Asnières, with its industrial bridge, moored boats, and poplar-lined shore, was the specific landscape context he needed to render accurately in the final work.

The small panel captures the essential colour and light conditions of the location—warm sunlight on the riverbank, cool shadow under the trees, the shimmering flat surface of the Seine. The brushwork is already more systematic than standard Impressionist practice, with consistent stroke direction defining different zones.