“The Seine at Bougival,” an artwork created by Alfred Sisley in 1873, belongs to the Impressionism art movement and is categorized within the landscape genre. Currently held in a private collection, the artwork exemplifies Sisley’s adeptness at capturing natural scenery with a sensitive portrayal of light and atmosphere.
The artwork depicts a tranquil riverside scene along the Seine at Bougival, illustrating the quintessential characteristics of Impressionism through its vivid color palette and loose brushwork. The composition reveals a river bordered by trees on one side, with smoke rising in the background, suggesting a rural idyll. The riverbank on the right is dotted with figures, providing a sense of scale and human presence against the expansive natural environment. The atmospheric perspective and interplay of light reflect Sisley’s keen observation, rendering a serene and harmonious landscape.