A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte

September 20th, 2009, 07:39 PM

How does the painting: A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte related to Formalism and Semiotics?
The analysis must integrate both methodologies.
It would be greatly appreciated if one can help me with several points..

John · September 20th, 2009, 10:22 PM

Yikes, too much like work...

I assume that the discussion of Formalism would revolve around the rigid theories Seurat applied to color mixing and application. And Semiotics would be an analysis of the symbols and figures in the painting, and what they would have signified to a Parisian of that era.

But that's really just a way of restating the question. I think you need to start by looking into Seurat and what he believed and what he was trying to accomplish with his art and this painting in particular.

April 24th, 2010, 03:13 AM

Clues:

Formalism

The overall picture - frozen slice of life
Figures of individuals-not lonesome but lonely - each in his or her space with very little or no interaction
Repetition and emphasis of shapes used to display the fashion and mannerisms of The Bourgeois as in high-browed demeanor and prominence in posture-

Lowly boatman-depicted accurately laid-back- casual, carefree.

Large black dog faces downwards, non-threatening, searching for crumbs.

Semiotics:

Bourgeois status symbols
Apparel used in keeping up the appearances of the era.
Upper Class women-stately parasols, elegant hats, farthingales/hoop skirts with bumrolls.
Upper Class Men- Tall, sophisticated Crown hats, walking cane

Lower Class Man - Boatman's cap; clad in undershirt

Upper Class lady with pet monkey

September 20th, 2009, 07:39 PM	#1
tomandjery Posts: n/a	A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte How does the painting: A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte related to Formalism and Semiotics? The analysis must integrate both methodologies. It would be greatly appreciated if one can help me with several points..

April 24th, 2010, 03:13 AM	#3
Unregistered Posts: n/a	The "Sunday Afternoon..La Grande Jatte..Formalism and Semiotics Connection Clues: Formalism The overall picture - frozen slice of life Figures of individuals-not lonesome but lonely - each in his or her space with very little or no interaction Repetition and emphasis of shapes used to display the fashion and mannerisms of The Bourgeois as in high-browed demeanor and prominence in posture- Lowly boatman-depicted accurately laid-back- casual, carefree. Large black dog faces downwards, non-threatening, searching for crumbs. Semiotics: Bourgeois status symbols Apparel used in keeping up the appearances of the era. Upper Class women-stately parasols, elegant hats, farthingales/hoop skirts with bumrolls. Upper Class Men- Tall, sophisticated Crown hats, walking cane Lower Class Man - Boatman's cap; clad in undershirt Upper Class lady with pet monkey

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September 20th, 2009, 10:22 PM	#2
John John Malyon, host Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,401	Yikes, too much like work... I assume that the discussion of Formalism would revolve around the rigid theories Seurat applied to color mixing and application. And Semiotics would be an analysis of the symbols and figures in the painting, and what they would have signified to a Parisian of that era. But that's really just a way of restating the question. I think you need to start by looking into Seurat and what he believed and what he was trying to accomplish with his art and this painting in particular.