Eiffel Tower
| Support Type: | Wood Panel |
| Paint Type: | Oil Paint |
| Current Location: | Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco |
| Location History: | The painting was originally owned by Roger Marx (1859–1913) in Paris and was sold after his death at Galerie Manzi-Joyant, Paris, on 11–12 May 1914, as lot 72. It was later acquired by Bernheim-Jeune and, by 1924, belonged to Princess Marguerite Gilbert Caetani Bassiano in Rome. By 1934, it was owned by Georges Bernheim and was subsequently sold to Jacques Seligmann & Co. in New York. The painting later passed through the collections of Cesar de Hauke and Germain Seligman, whose estate held it until 1978. After being placed on consignment with E. V. Thaw & Co., New York, it was sold to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco in 1979. |
The painting is an excellent example of Pointillism where the artist places small, distinct dots which creates a vibrant interplay of colors. This method creates an optical blend where the colors mix in the viewer's eyes rather than in the painting. This unique feature of this style of painting creates a unique experience for the viewers. Also in the painting one can observe the colors are complementary which enhance the visual contrast in the background and the foreground. The dots appear to be chaotic and crowded at the bottom but they become subtle and blend into each other gradually towards the top of the painting. This also guides the focus of the viewer from the bottom to the top of the tower as one would view it in real life. The style, even though it is far from realism, gives its beholders the experience of the grandeur of the monument.