Gray Weather, Grande Jatte (Temps gris, Grande Jatte)
Painting on canvas • Georges Seurat
Style & Movement
Neo-Impressionism / Pointillism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas using the pointillist technique (divisionism) consisting of small, distinct dots of color applied in patterns to form an image.
Creation Period
1886-1888
Dimensions & Format
70.5 x 86.4 cm (27 3/4 x 34 in.); Landscape format
Subject Description
A landscape view of the island of La Grande Jatte on the Seine river. The composition features a sloping riverbank in the foreground, calm water with several small boats, and lush trees. The atmosphere is quiet and overcast, captured through a meticulously balanced arrangement of cool-toned dots.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the canvas appears well-preserved with vibrant color retention and stable paint layers.
Estimated Market Value
$40,000,000 - $60,000,000 USD (based on rarity and historical status)
Auction Estimate
$35,000,000 - $55,000,000 USD
Provenance History
Originally in the collection of the artist's family; later acquired by various private collectors before being bequeathed to the Metropolitan Museum of Art by Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg.
Art Historical Significance
A seminal work of Neo-Impressionism, this piece serves as a companion study or variation of Seurat's masterpiece 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte'. It demonstrates his scientific approach to color theory and optical mixing.
Notable Features
Features a painted 'border' of darker blue and purple dots created by the artist himself to enhance the luminosity of the central composition; housed in a high-quality ornate Louis XV style gilded frame.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dirt and very fine craquelure consistent with 19th-century oil paintings; no significant losses or previous heavy restoration visible.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain stable humidity (45-55%) and temperature; display under UV-filtered museum glass; professional dusting of the ornate gilt frame.