The Dam on the Loing Barges 1885

Alfred Sisley likely made this painting with oil paint on canvas, using brushes to apply distinct strokes of color. Impressionist painters such as Sisley were fascinated by the transient effects of light and atmosphere. Their approach was underpinned by the development of new pigments, readily available through industrial manufacturing. This allowed them to create a much wider range of colors than ever before. The quick, broken brushstrokes and light palette were crucial in capturing the fleeting moment, a key characteristic of Impressionism. This suggests a direct and spontaneous method, with clear parallels to a sketch-like process. However, we also know that Impressionists worked serially on paintings like this, often returning to the same motifs. Ultimately, the visual qualities of this piece – its light, airy feel and emphasis on the subjective experience of the landscape – were intrinsically linked to both the materials and the prevailing social context. The modern world was transforming how art was made, and indeed, what it represented.