An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Seaportc. 1890
Artist: Armand Séguin
French, 1869–1903
landscape with green sky and orange trees at right; purple, white, orange and blue buildings; three large boats, figure standing in small boat in foreground; bright blue water
25 × 17 1/2 in. (63.5 × 44.45 cm) (sight)
36 1/8 × 28 3/4 × 3 in. (91.76 × 73.03 × 7.62 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
France
19th century
Bequest of Bruce B. Dayton
In the gentle swirl of brushstrokes and vibrant colors, one can almost feel the heartbeat of a distant yet profound era woven together by the creative minds of the late 19th century. Among those who danced through this artistic realm was Armand Séguin, a name that, while not echoing as loudly as some, carries with it a story worth telling.
Born into a bustling world of color and imagination, Séguin found his footing in the enchanting embrace of the Pont-Aven School, a haven for Post-Impressionists. It was 1891 when his journey truly began, a pivotal moment marked by camaraderie and collaboration, as he joined forces with the celebrated Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Together, in the soft light that filtered through the open windows of their studios, they explored the nuances of human emotion and the landscapes of the soul.
The following year, Séguin’s path intertwined with another luminary, the vibrant Paul Gauguin. Under Gauguin’s guidance, he discovered new dimensions of color and expression that forever altered his artistic vision. The essence of Paris permeated his early works throughout the 1880s; they shimmered with influences from the striking posters and lively caricatures of Toulouse-Lautrec, who captured the spirited essence of the city’s nightlife with bold strokes.
However, it was in the tranquil landscapes of Brittany, on the rugged coast where land kissed the sea, that Séguin found a deeper calling in the 1890s. Here, he painted scenes enriched by the influences of Emile Bernard and Gauguin—heralding an explosion of color that seemed to dance on the canvas with life and vitality. It was during these moments that the essence of his own style began to take shape, each hue whispering stories of the places and people that surrounded him.
But as often is the case with brilliant lights, they sometimes flicker too soon. Séguin's journey through life was tragically cut short by tuberculosis, a relentless foe that snuffed out his vibrant spark. His paintings became rare treasures, elusive in American collections, yet they continue to resonate with those fortunate enough to experience them.
Even today, the brushstrokes of Séguin remain a testament to the beauty of artistic collaboration and the fleeting nature of life—leaving us to ponder how a single soul can forge connections across time through sheer creativity. And as we stand before his works, we are reminded of the stories carried by each canvas, beckoning us to listen, reflect, and be inspired.
About the artist
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