Alfred Sisley

Dr. Charles Abadie, Paris (sold: Hôtel Drouot, Vente Charles Abadie, Paris, April 17, 1913, lot 27)
Acquired by the present owner in 2006

Jacques Lassaigne & Sylvie Gache-Patin, Sisley, Paris, 1983, no. 36, illustrated n.p.

Work is hinged to mat with archival tape at four places along upper and lower edges. Work is executed on a hand-made, buff colored paper with visible fibers. Pastel is exceptionally fresh, vibrant and well preserved. There is 2.5 inch long, 1/8 inch wide area of paper loss along the extreme right edge of the sheet which does not intrude into the image. There are roughly five other tiny bits of paper loss along upper left and lower right corner edges, seemingly all from previous pinholes. There are a few intact pinholes around the extreme edges. Remnants of a dark blue pigment around upper and right extreme edges, probably from a previous matting. Overall the work is in excellent 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.

Settling in the region of Moret in the early 1880s, Sisley found the rivers in the area to be especially attractive and awe-inspiring subjects for his work. At Saint-Mammès, the Loing and Seine rivers converged, providing the artist with inspirational views that would come to define his personal approach to Impressionism. Camille Mauclair wrote of Sisley in 1912: "He is the painter of great blue rivers curving towards the horizon; of blossoming orchards; of bright hills with red-roofed hamlets scattered about; he is beyond all, the painter of French skies which he presents with admirable vivacity and facility. He has the feeling for transparency of atmosphere" (quoted in Mary Anne Stevens, ed., Alfred Sisley, London, 1992, p. 24).

In the present work, the artist eloquently depicts the sun-baked earth, delicately painted houses, brilliant quality of the sky, and shimmering surface of the river. The figure in the foreground draws the viewer in, harmoniously combining Sisley's pastoral landscape with a human presence.