Alfred Sisley

Often unfairly neglected, Alfred Sisley was a founding member of the French Impressionist Movement. Born in France to English parents, his early years were comfortable thanks to a generous allowance from his wealthy family. In 1862, he befriended Monet, Bazille and Renoir while training at the studio of Charles Gleyre. Considered something of a radical act at the time, they took trips to the countryside to paint direct outdoor studies of nature. In later years, whilst the other Impressionists often worked in the studio on modern urban scenes, Sisley continued to concentrate on rural landscapes painted en plein air. After his father’s business went bankrupt in 1871, he spent the rest of his life struggling financially. However, he did manage various trips to Britain and his series painted around the Thames in 1874 was an artistic (if not commercial) triumph. Over the years, his work grew increasingly expressive and colourful.