Join us for an introduction to the art, working process and political context of Neo-Impressionist Georges Seurat. We will examine the artist's history and how it was shaped by his anarchist peers.
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How much does an artist get to shape their own history? When the artist Georges Seurat died at age 31 he was at the centre of the Parisian avant garde. His method of optical colour mixture (pointillism) was a revolution that still continues to impact painting and colour theory. The popularity of his work officially destroyed the power of impressionism in contemporary art ushering in a completely new artistic era, Neo-Impressionism.
This lunchtime lecture briefly introduces the work of Seurat before moving into the writing of his history by his friend and art critic and active anarchist Félix Fénéon. We will consider how Fénéon shaped our contemporary understanding of Seurat's work as politically charged. We'll discuss what anarchism meant in late 19th century France and how Seurat's method of pointillism might be linked not explicitly to the movement, but to the new ways of thinking that were part of the anarchism of the time.
Please note: this lecture is not advocating for the validity of anarchism, nor will it be a space to debate this political stance. The focus will be on anarchism in this specific time and place and how/why artists were concerned with it in 19th century Paris.
What will we cover?
•An introduction to the art of Georges Seurat • An introduction to anarchism in late 19th century Paris, specifically as related to the artists in this lecture • How art process is linked to cultural context
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Discuss general aspects of Seurat's style • Describe the artist's political context • Understand how the writing of history shapes our understanding of art
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is open to all.
You should be able to operate basic elements of Zoom, e.g. microphone, camera and log in.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught with lecture and slide presentation. This course does not include an active discussion element, but there will be time for Q&A at the end of the session.
Please note: This is a live lecture and will not be recorded for reasons related to copyright, data protection and digital infrastructure.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Search for 'lunchtime lectures' to see all of the talks on offer in the coming year.
Sarah Jaffray holds a BA and MA in Art History with an emphasis in 19th/20th century France and a minor in the Italian Renaissance. She holds a second MA in Cultural Theory from Goldsmiths, University of London. Sarah was a lecturer for several colleges and universities in the Los Angeles area before relocating to London in 2012. She has worked in curatorial roles at the British Museum and Wellcome Collection. In addition to her current teaching at City Lit, Sarah is a lecturer at the University of Arts London and the Tutor Coordinator for City Lit's Art History programme. Her art historical practice focuses on experimental narratives, artistic process, art pedagogy, politics and philosophy. Sarah's current research is focused on translation and empathy.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/lunchtime-lecture-george-seurat-s-anarchist-art2720052Lunchtime lecture: George Seurat's anarchist arthttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/u/lunchtime-lecture-george-seurat-s-anarchist-art-1080.jpg1414GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Introductory & general art history courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Online courses228511361137117717311228511771136<p>Join us for an introduction to the art, working process and political context of Neo-Impressionist Georges Seurat. We will examine the artist's history and how it was shaped by his anarchist peers. </p>002720019Lunchtime lecture: George Seurat's anarchist art1414https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/u/lunchtime-lecture-george-seurat-s-anarchist-art-1080_1.jpgInStockDaytimeWedOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-03-11T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMar 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB7751414Lunchtime lecture: George Seurat's anarchist art11914Sarah Jaffraylunchtime-lecture-george-seurat-s-anarchist-art/vb775-2526<p>Join us for an introduction to the art, working process and political context of Neo-Impressionist Georges Seurat. We will examine the artist's history and how it was shaped by his anarchist peers. </p>0000-Available|2026-03-11 00:00:00<p>How much does an artist get to shape their own history? When the artist Georges Seurat died at age 31 he was at the centre of the Parisian avant garde. His method of optical colour mixture (pointillism) was a revolution that still continues to impact painting and colour theory. The popularity of his work officially destroyed the power of impressionism in contemporary art ushering in a completely new artistic era, Neo-Impressionism. <br/><br/>This lunchtime lecture briefly introduces the work of Seurat before moving into the writing of his history by his friend and art critic and active anarchist Félix Fénéon. We will consider how Fénéon shaped our contemporary understanding of Seurat's work as politically charged. We'll discuss what anarchism meant in late 19th century France and how Seurat's method of pointillism might be linked not explicitly to the movement, but to the new ways of thinking that were part of the anarchism of the time.</p><p>Please note: this lecture is not advocating for the validity of anarchism, nor will it be a space to debate this political stance. The focus will be on anarchism in this specific time and place and how/why artists were concerned with it in 19th century Paris.</p><p>Join us for an introduction to the art, working process and political context of Neo-Impressionist Georges Seurat. We will examine the artist's history and how it was shaped by his anarchist peers. </p><p>•An introduction to the art of Georges Seurat<br/>• An introduction to anarchism in late 19th century Paris, specifically as related to the artists in this lecture<br/>• How art process is linked to cultural context</p><p>• Discuss general aspects of Seurat's style <br/>• Describe the artist's political context<br/>• Understand how the writing of history shapes our understanding of art</p>This course is open to all.<br/><br/>You should be able to operate basic elements of Zoom, e.g. microphone, camera and log in.<p>You will be taught with lecture and slide presentation. This course does not include an active discussion element, but there will be time for Q&A at the end of the session.</p><p><strong>Please note: </strong>This is a live lecture and will not be recorded for reasons related to copyright, data protection and digital infrastructure.</p>There are no additional costs.Search for 'lunchtime lectures' to see all of the talks on offer in the coming year.Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesvirtual11149VB775NONEWed11/03/2613:00 - 14:0013:0014:001 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekdayOnlineOnlineSarah JaffrayBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-03-11T00:00:00+00:00Mar 2026Culture, history & humanities1414Lunchtime lecture: George Seurat's anarchist artlunchtime-lecture-george-seurat-s-anarchist-art/vb775-2526<p>Join us for an introduction to the art, working process and political context of Neo-Impressionist Georges Seurat. We will examine the artist's history and how it was shaped by his anarchist peers. </p>0000-Available|2026-03-11 00:00:00<p>How much does an artist get to shape their own history? When the artist Georges Seurat died at age 31 he was at the centre of the Parisian avant garde. His method of optical colour mixture (pointillism) was a revolution that still continues to impact painting and colour theory. The popularity of his work officially destroyed the power of impressionism in contemporary art ushering in a completely new artistic era, Neo-Impressionism. <br/><br/>This lunchtime lecture briefly introduces the work of Seurat before moving into the writing of his history by his friend and art critic and active anarchist Félix Fénéon. We will consider how Fénéon shaped our contemporary understanding of Seurat's work as politically charged. We'll discuss what anarchism meant in late 19th century France and how Seurat's method of pointillism might be linked not explicitly to the movement, but to the new ways of thinking that were part of the anarchism of the time.</p><p>Please note: this lecture is not advocating for the validity of anarchism, nor will it be a space to debate this political stance. The focus will be on anarchism in this specific time and place and how/why artists were concerned with it in 19th century Paris.</p><p>Join us for an introduction to the art, working process and political context of Neo-Impressionist Georges Seurat. We will examine the artist's history and how it was shaped by his anarchist peers. </p><p>•An introduction to the art of Georges Seurat<br/>• An introduction to anarchism in late 19th century Paris, specifically as related to the artists in this lecture<br/>• How art process is linked to cultural context</p><p>• Discuss general aspects of Seurat's style <br/>• Describe the artist's political context<br/>• Understand how the writing of history shapes our understanding of art</p>This course is open to all.<br/><br/>You should be able to operate basic elements of Zoom, e.g. microphone, camera and log in.<p>You will be taught with lecture and slide presentation. This course does not include an active discussion element, but there will be time for Q&amp;A at the end of the session.</p><p><strong>Please note: </strong>This is a live lecture and will not be recorded for reasons related to copyright, data protection and digital infrastructure.</p>There are no additional costs.Search for 'lunchtime lectures' to see all of the talks on offer in the coming year.Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesconfigurable
11371136Introductory & general art history courseshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/art-history/introductory-general-art-history1/2/285/1177/1136/11371/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Introductory & general art history courses
Gods and heroes from Classical to Renaissance artFull fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £129.00