Lady s Cove before the Storm (Hastings) 1897

Alfred Sisley created Lady's Cove before the Storm with oil on canvas using brushes, likely in the late 19th century. The most striking aspect of this painting is its facture, which refers to the way the paint has been applied. Sisley used loose brushstrokes, visible to the naked eye, capturing the transient effects of light and atmosphere. These are not traditional art materials, they are 'ready-made' paints manufactured on an industrial scale and sold in tubes. The way Sisley handled his medium – its inherent viscosity, its capacity to reflect light – is really the subject of this painting. It is a scene with an almost photographic instantaneousness, but one achieved by labor. By emphasizing materials, making, and the social context of production, we can better understand the full meaning of Sisley's artwork, challenging any perceived distinction between fine art and craft.