The artwork “Rodez,” created by Paul Signac around 1923, employs chalk and watercolor on paper. This piece, showcasing Signac’s mastery in both Impressionism and Neo-Impressionism, measures 22 by 23.5 centimeters and belongs to the cityscape genre. The artwork is currently housed in the Albertina museum in Vienna, Austria.
“Rodez” portrays an urban scene characterized by vibrant and dynamic use of color. The artist employs a mix of warm and cool tones to depict the buildings and the surrounding environment. Prominent structures, such as tall, colorful towers and various architectural elements, capture the viewer’s attention against a soft, pastel sky imbued with shades of pink, blue, and green. Signac’s technique involves loose, expressive strokes, contributing to the vivid and lively atmosphere of the cityscape, which is a hallmark of his distinct style in the Neo-Impressionist movement. The interplay of light and shadow, along with an emphasis on structural forms and contours, is evident, giving the artwork a rhythm and harmony that invites viewers to immerse themselves in its colorful depiction of Rodez.