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The Forest at Pontaubert by Georges Seurat

Georges Seurat · 1881-01-01

Seurat's "The Forest at Pontaubert," painted in 1881, holds a fascinating financial history. This seemingly tranquil landscape, now housed at the Kröller-Müller Museum, illustrates the artist's early style before he developed Pointillism.

Look closely at the textured bark and the interplay of light and shadow, elements that hint at his burgeoning genius. The painting's value skyrocketed, reflecting a growing appreciation for Seurat's complete oeuvre.

Initially selling for under a million dollars in 1999, its subsequent sale at Sotheby's in 2011 fetched over six million. This dramatic increase highlights the ever-evolving market for canonical artists and the enduring power of a master's hand.

What makes a painting's value multiply so dramatically over a decade?

Details

It was painted by Georges Seurat, before his famous Pointillism.
It was painted by Georges Seurat, before his famous Pointillism.
In 1999, it sold at auction for nearly a million dollars.
In 1999, it sold at auction for nearly a million dollars.
Then in 2011, it resurfaced at Sotheby's.
Then in 2011, it resurfaced at Sotheby's.
This time, it sold for over six million dollars.
This time, it sold for over six million dollars.
A thinner trunk catching more light than its neighbors, creating a luminous vertical accent that breaks the overall darkness of the canopy
A thinner trunk catching more light than its neighbors, creating a luminous vertical accent that breaks the overall darkness of the canopy
Transcript

This looks like a peaceful forest, but it hides a secret. It was painted by Georges Seurat, before his famous Pointillism. In 1999, it sold at auction for nearly a million dollars. A high price, but typical for a master’s early work. Then in 2011, it resurfaced at Sotheby's. This time, it sold for over six million dollars.