“The Bridge at Saint Cloud,” masterfully created by Alfred Sisley in 1877, exemplifies the Impressionism art movement. Executed in oil on canvas, the artwork measures 50.8 by 61.5 centimeters and is categorized under the landscape genre. Currently, it resides within a private collection.
The artwork presents a scenic view of the bridge at Saint Cloud, flush with the lucid and vibrant strokes characteristic of Impressionist technique. Dominating the left side, the somber, stone arch of the bridge juxtaposes with the sprawling cityscape on the right, depicted with vivid, colorful structures that line the riverbank, leading the viewer’s eye towards a pointed steeple piercing the sky. The serene river flowing beneath reflects both the sunlight and the architecture, embodying Sisley’s dedication to capturing the transient effects of light and atmosphere. The sky, adorned with an array of swiftly-brushed clouds, suggests a brisk yet clear day.