“Flood at Port Marly” is an impressionist landscape oil painting by Alfred Sisley, crafted in 1876. Measuring 46.1 x 55.9 cm, the painting depicts a scene of a flooded area at Port Marly, and it resides in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum, which is part of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
The artwork captures an overcast day at the town of Port Marly, where Sisley has carefully illustrated the reflections and the still waters caused by the flood. In the painting, the sky is a hazy blend of whites and grays, suggesting the presence of clouds, and this dominates the upper half of the canvas. The leafless trees and the architecture line the flooded landscape, partially submerged and rendered with loose brushwork that is emblematic of the Impressionist style. The composition features several rowboats in the foreground, tied up and sitting idle on the water, indicating that normal passage has been disrupted by the flooding. The middle ground is punctuated by a few figures who appear to be going about their lives in spite of the inundation. The buildings, painted in gentle hues, add a touch of color to the otherwise muted palette. The soft outlines and diffused lighting convey a sense of tranquility and highlight the natural occurrence’s impact on both the environment and the local inhabitants. Sisley’s choice of colors, brushstrokes, and light capture the essence of the scene and showcase his ability to depict atmospheric conditions, which is a hallmark of the Impressionist movement.
