Alfred Sisley was a significant figure in the development of Impressionism, a 19th-century art movement known for its focus on capturing the effects of light and atmosphere rather than detailed representations. Born on October 30, 1839, in Paris, France, Sisley was of English descent, with his father, William Sisley, being a wealthy merchant originally from London.
Sisley was sent to London at the age of 18 to study business but soon abandoned commerce to pursue his passion for art. In 1862, he returned to Paris and enrolled in the École des Beaux-Arts. It was here that he met Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Frédéric Bazille, who would later become key figures in the Impressionist movement.
Initially influenced by the Barbizon School, Sisley's early works were primarily landscapes, often depicting the Seine River, the Forest of Fontainebleau, and the countryside around Moret-sur-Loing. His style evolved as he began to exhibit with the Impressionists, embracing the movement's emphasis on light and color over detail.
Key aspects of Sisley's career include:
Despite financial difficulties, Sisley continued to paint until his death. His work gained more recognition posthumously. He passed away on January 29, 1899, in Moret-sur-Loing, where he had lived for the last 20 years of his life. His grave can be found in the local cemetery.
Today, Sisley's paintings are housed in major museums around the world, including:
His work is celebrated for its atmospheric quality, the way he captured the transient effects of weather and light, and his contribution to the Impressionist movement.