Le Chahut

Le Chahut, also known as "The Can-Can," is a painting by Georges Seurat, completed in 1889-90. It is a significant example of Neo-Impressionism and Pointillism, Seurat's signature technique of applying small, distinct dots of color to create an image. The painting depicts a scene from the Parisian cabaret, specifically the then-popular dance known as the "chahut," a precursor to the modern can-can.

The subject matter is a lively and somewhat suggestive performance. The dancers are shown kicking their legs high in the air, a characteristic movement of the chahut. Musicians and audience members are also depicted, contributing to the overall sense of energetic entertainment and Parisian nightlife.

Seurat's careful arrangement of colors and forms, using Pointillist techniques, creates a vibrant and shimmering effect. The painting's composition emphasizes upward movement and dynamic energy, reflecting the vivacity of the dance. Le Chahut captures a fleeting moment of popular culture in late 19th-century Paris while also showcasing Seurat's innovative approach to painting and color theory. The painting is currently housed in the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands.