About the Artist
Alfred Sisley (1839–1899), a key figure in Impressionism, was born in Paris to affluent English parents. Initially sent to London to pursue a business career, he abandoned it after four years and returned to Paris in 1862 to study painting under Marc-Charles-Gabriel Gleyre. There, he befriended Monet, Renoir, and Bazille, joining them in painting landscapes en plein air to capture the effects of sunlight, a groundbreaking approach at the time.
Despite his talent, Sisley faced financial hardship after his father’s business failed in 1870, relying solely on the sale of his works. His landscapes, often painted in places like Marly, Saint-Cloud, and later Moret-sur-Loing, reflect a gentle atmosphere, focusing on natural scenery rather than dramatic or vividly colored settings.
Living mostly in France, Sisley was influenced by the works of Turner, Constable, Corot, and Courbet. Known for his atmospheric landscapes and impressive skies, his style closely resembles that of Pissarro. While overshadowed by Monet, Sisley’s dedication to landscape painting was unmatched among the Impressionists.
In 1897, Sisley married his longtime partner in Wales, but he remained an English citizen until his death in 1899. Among his notable works are Street in Moret, Sand Heaps, and The Bridge at Moret-sur-Loing. His Lane of Poplars at Moret gained notoriety for being stolen multiple times but was ultimately recovered. Sisley’s art gained greater recognition posthumously.
