Anarchy and Neo-Impressionism: Signac

 "Anarchism flourished during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in France, a period often referred to as the Belle Époque.  Though celebrated for its extraordinary cultural achievements, the era saw horrendous economic devastation for the working class, instilling in many a profound distrust of state institutions.  Anarchists like Fénéon and his artist friend Paul Signac believed that the dissolution of the government, capitalism, and the bourgeoisie would allow social harmony, economic fairness, and artistic freedom to prevail."

Paul Signac, French, Sunday.  c. 1888-90.  "Signac subtly criticizes bourgeois ideals by painting a bored couple in their ornate Parisian living room on a gloomy Sunday afternoon.  Despite their middle-class comfort, husband and wife are turned away from each other, alone with their separate thoughts.  Signac's use of taut geometries reinforces the rigidity of the mood."

Paul Signac, French, The Demolition Worker.  1897-99.  "Signac called for artists to deliver the 'forceful blow of a pickaxe to the antiquated social  structure.'  Here, he depicts demolition workers tearing down the edifice of the old order as a new dawn rises behind them.  The monumental canvas is an allegory for Signac's anarchist vision of a modern, egalitarian society in which laborers would be created with fairness and respect."

Paul Signac, French, In the Time of Harmony:  The Golden Age Has not Passed, It is Still to Come, 1896.  "Signac originally thought of titling this painting 'In the Time of Anarchy,' but changed his mind due to widespread fear of anarchist violence in Paris in the 1890's.  To counteract that association, he offered a utopian vision of a future anarchist society- a Golden Age in which disparities between social classes would disappear and men, women, and children would live together peacefully.  Signac intended for his individual lines and colors to coalesce into a harmonious whole that might inspire viewers toward a corresponding social harmony.  As he once declared, 'Justice in sociology, harmony in art:  same thing.'"