The artwork, titled “Banks of rivers (the Thames Hampton Court, first week of October),” was created by Alfred Sisley in 1874. It belongs to the Impressionism movement and is a landscape painting measuring 66.4 x 91.8 cm.
The artwork depicts a serene riverside scene on the Thames near Hampton Court, capturing the tranquil atmosphere of the first week of October. In typical Impressionist style, Sisley employs loose brush strokes and a soft palette to render the subtle play of light and reflections on the water. The painting illustrates the calm flow of the river bordered by lush greenery, with a clear view of the sky speckled with delicate clouds. People are seen leisurely strolling or working along the riverbank, adding a lively element to the tranquil natural setting. The rendering of light and atmosphere, as well as the everyday nature of the subject matter, are hallmarks of the Impressionist genre that Sisley embraced in his artwork.