The artwork “Avenue of Chestnut Trees near La Celle-Saint-Cloud” was painted by Alfred Sisley in 1867. It is an oil on canvas piece that measures 95 x 122.2 cm. The painting is a representation of the Realism art movement and belongs to the landscape genre. It currently resides in the Southampton City Art Gallery, located in Southampton, UK.
The painting depicts a serene wooded landscape that captures the essence of a chestnut tree-lined avenue. The composition leads the viewer’s eye down a dirt path flanked by towering trees whose canopies converge to create a lush, leafy ceiling. The palette comprises various shades of green, with specks of warm colors suggesting the presence of autumnal leaves. Light filters through the branches, creating dappled patterns on the ground and conveying a sense of tranquility. The scene is devoid of human figures, emphasizing the peacefulness and natural beauty of the forest interior. The accurate representation of the trees and the play of light and shadow demonstrate Sisley’s skill in capturing the subtleties of the natural environment, which is characteristic of the Realism movement.
