Artwork

Bassin de Marly

Bassin de Marly, by Alfred Sisley, oil, 1875
Bassin de Marly, by Alfred Sisley, oil, 1875

Bassin de Marly is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Alfred Sisley. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.

About this work

Overview

Bassin de Marly, painted in 1875 by Alfred Sisley, is an Impressionist oil painting depicting a serene landscape. Characteristic of Sisley's dedication to en plein air landscape painting, the work focuses on natural elements.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures the Abreuvoir de Marly-le-Roi, portraying a tranquil scene with a pond, trees, distant buildings, and a softly blended sky. The absence of human activity emphasizes the serene and reflective quality of the natural setting.

Technique & Style

Sisley's use of oil paint en plein air achieves a sense of immediacy. The composition's symmetry, reflected foliage in the pond, and varied green tones in the trees contribute to the painting's depth and textured, naturalistic feel.

History & Provenance

Created in 1875, Bassin de Marly is part of the Kunsthaus Zürich collection, reflecting Sisley's consistent output of French landscapes despite his British birth.

Context

As an Impressionist work, Bassin de Marly aligns with the movement's emphasis on capturing outdoor light and everyday landscapes, distinguishing it from figural subjects.

Legacy

While not explicitly revolutionary, the painting contributes to Sisley's reputation for serene, observant landscapes that invite contemplation, embodying Impressionist ideals in a subdued, naturalistic key.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alfred Sisley

Artist

Alfred Sisley

Alfred Sisley (; French: ; 30 October 1839–29 January 1899) was a French-Born British Impressionist landscape painter who was born to British parents, but spent most of his life in France.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Kunsthaus Zürich open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.