By the Loing 1885

Alfred Sisley captured “By the Loing” with oil on canvas. Sisley, born in Paris to British parents, lived during a period of significant social and political upheaval in France, including the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune. Sisley’s position as a British citizen in France gave him a unique perspective. He, like many impressionist painters, turned his attention to the landscape, finding solace and beauty in the natural world. This artistic choice can be seen as a response to the rapid industrialization and urbanization occurring at the time. Though he exhibited with the Impressionists, Sisley always maintained a certain distance from the avant-garde movements of his time. His paintings, while beautiful, often reflect a sense of melancholy and detachment. “By the Loing” evokes a quiet stillness, a moment of respite from the tumultuous world outside. It’s a poignant reminder of the simple beauty that persists even in times of great change.