The Red Buoy, Saint-Tropez, 1895

Paul Signac (1863-1935) is a painter who was an avid sailor. He created several marine paintings, amongst which there is a series of views over the port of Saint-Tropez, where he settled in 1892.
On this vertical painting, the eye initially fixes on the vibrant red-orange buoy, which contrasts with the deep blue of the water. The reflections of the buildings then lead the viewer's eye to the background, with lighter tones. The divisionist technique and the combination of pure colors allowed Signac to depict a glittering sea, and the glimmering light of the Midi.
The divisionist painters differ from the impressionists most particularly in the scientific dimension of their work. In regard to the rigor of his initial work, Signac's strokes have widened for this series, the division of tones is more relaxed.