Neo-Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction to Impressionism. It was characterized by the use of small, distinct dots or strokes of color, known as pointillism, which were applied in a systematic way to create a vibrant optical effect. This technique aimed to enhance the luminosity and vibrancy of colors, allowing viewers to perceive the artwork differently from various distances.
The movement was primarily led by artists like Georges Seurat and Paul Signac, who sought to explore the scientific principles of color theory and light. Neo-Impressionism emphasized the importance of composition and structure, moving away from the spontaneous brushwork typical of Impressionism.