Alfred Sisley

Christian Otto Zieseniss (acquired before 1929)

Canvas is lined. Under ultra-violet light, there is a one-inch stroke of inpainting near the center of the top edge. Otherwise fine, this work is in very good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In 1874, Sisley participated in the now-legendary exhibition that introduced Paris to the group of artists who would forever after be known as the Impressionists.  The present canvas, painted the year following his participation in that watershed event, epitomizes the style that would define his career.   The picture captures the essence of the Impressionist plein-air technique, with its attention to light and shadow and the reflections of the surrounding foliage on the water. As the critic Gustave Geffroy wrote in 1923, Sisley "sought to express the harmonies that prevail, in all weathers and at every time of the day between foliage, water and sky, and he succeeded... He loved river banks; the fringes of woodland; towns and villages glimpsed through the trees; old buildings swamped in greenery; winter morning sunlight, summer afternoons" (G. Geffroy, 'Sisley', in Les Cahiers d'Aujourd'hui, Paris, 1923).