Portrait of Félix Fénéon by Paul Signac

Portrait of Félix Fénéon (1890) exemplifies Paul Signac's mastery of Neo-Impressionist technique. The painting portrays Félix Fénéon, an influential art critic, anarchist, and champion of pointillism, against a swirling background of vibrant, decorative patterns. Signac employs a richly scientific approach to color, using small, precise dots of complementary hues that optically blend when viewed from a distance. The subject stands in profile, elegantly dressed in a dark suit with his characteristic goatee, while behind him explodes a kaleidoscopic array of colors arranged in a rhythmic, almost musical composition. The painting's subtitle, "Opus 217. Against the Enamel of a Background Rhythmic with Beats and Angles, Tones, and Tints," reflects both Signac's methodical approach and his interest in the relationship between painting and music.

Medium: Oil on canvas • Movement: Neo-Impressionism/Pointillism • Size: 29.5" x 36.6" (75cm x 93cm) • Location: Museum of Modern Art, New York

Paul Signac (1863-1935) was a French Neo-Impressionist painter who, alongside Georges Seurat, developed the pointillist technique. Following his meeting with Seurat in 1884, Signac abandoned the short brushstrokes of Impressionism in favor of small, distinct dots of color. After Seurat's early death in 1891, Signac became the primary advocate for pointillism and color theory. An avid sailor, Signac found inspiration in coastal scenes and harbors throughout France. In the later part of his career, his style evolved toward a broader, more mosaic-like approach. Beyond his artistic contributions, Signac was politically engaged as an anarchist and wrote important theoretical works on color. His vibrant palette and scientific approach to color influenced the Fauves and subsequent modern art movements.

Panel Print
These beautifully detailed panel prints feature a durable matte surface which minimizes reflections. They are printed directly onto a smooth bright white 1/4" panel with a dark gray edge, and then mounted to a hidden frame. This frame makes the print appear to float off the wall providing a clean modern look. They are easy to hang.