Alfred Sisley Painting Reproductions 2 of 14

Alfred Sisley was born in Paris in 1839 to English parents. His father was a successful silk merchant, and the family enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle. However, his father's business failed when Sisley was a teenager, which forced the family to move to a more modest home in a suburb of Paris.

Despite his parents' objections, Sisley decided to pursue a career in art. He enrolled in the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1858 but left after a year to study under Charles Gleyre. It was there that he met Monet, Renoir, and other future Impressionist painters.

Sisley's early works were influenced by the Barbizon school of painters, who were known for their realistic depictions of nature. However, after meeting Monet and other Impressionists, Sisley began to experiment with new techniques, such as painting outdoors and using pure, bright colors.

Sisley's paintings often depicted the French countryside, especially the area around the Seine River. He was particularly interested in capturing the effects of light and weather on water, such as in his famous painting "The Bridge at Argenteuil."

Despite his talent, Sisley struggled financially throughout his career. He never achieved the same level of commercial success as Monet and Renoir, and he often had to rely on the support of dealers and friends to continue painting. In fact, he was so poor at times that he couldn't afford to buy paints or canvas, and he had to paint over his own older works to save money.

Sisley's reputation as an artist began to grow in the 1890s, thanks in part to the efforts of a dealer named Durand-Ruel, who recognized the value of Impressionist art. However, Sisley did not live to see his own success: he died in 1899 from throat cancer.

Today, Sisley is celebrated as one of the leading figures of the Impressionist movement. His paintings are known for their delicate brushwork, subtle colors, and atmospheric effects. Some of his most famous works include "Snow at Louveciennes," "Flood at Port-Marly," and "The Seine at Bougival."