Kunsthal presents a major exhibition of works by Paul Signac and his contemporaries

Paul Signac was a painter, theorist, networker and the driving force behind Neo-Impressionism, an innovative art movement of the nineteenth century. From Saturday 24 October 2026, the Kunsthal will be dedicating a major retrospective exhibition to him. Featuring more than ninety works by this artist and his contemporaries, ‘Signac. Symphony of Colours demonstrates why Signac was such an influential artist and how his work and ideas continue to resonate to this day.

Visitors can trace Signac’s artistic development through his vibrant harbour scenes, colourful landscapes and carefully composed portraits. One of the highlights is the sun-drenched *Le Port au soleil couchant*, Opus 236 (1892). Also on display is *Le port de Rotterdam* (1907), painted during his stay in the Netherlands. At the same time, his key role within Neo-Impressionism took shape: not only as a painter, but also as a writer, ambassador, collector and mentor. Signac inspired young artists, organised exhibitions and thus played an active role in the international spread of Neo-Impressionism. Alongside some thirty works by Signac, the exhibition features paintings by, amongst others, Lucie Cousturier, Henri-Edmond Cross, Curt Herrmann, Maximilien Luce, Camille Pissarro, Théo van Rysselberghe, Jeanne Selmersheim-Desgrange, Georges Seurat and Jan Toorop.

Signac as a key figure

In the exhibition, visitors discover how Neo-Impressionism emerged in the 1880s, with Signac and his fellow painter Seurat as key figures. It also explores the network of artists within which they operated. Furthermore, it highlights the philosophy underpinning Neo-Impressionism: through this style of painting, the artists expressed a utopian ideal. Special attention is given to the landscapes painted by Signac and his colleagues around the Mediterranean. There, the Mediterranean sunlight gave them a new awareness of the power of colour. Finally, the exhibition explores the international influence Signac exerted, including on Dutch artists.

“This exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover Signac, whose work is renowned throughout the world. Rotterdam, which served as the inspiration for his famous harbour view, is the perfect venue for this. ‘We are particularly grateful to the Museum Barberini in Potsdam, which boasts an outstanding collection of Neo-Impressionist art, for this collaboration, which has enabled us to bring together an unprecedented number of masterpieces,’ says Marianne Splint, director of the Kunsthal.

Cover: Paul Signac, *Le Port au soleil couchant*, Opus 236 (Saint-Tropez), 1892, oil on canvas, 65 x 81.3 cm, Hasso Plattner Foundation, Potsdam