“Flood at Port Marly” is an artwork by Alfred Sisley created in 1872. The piece is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 50 by 65 cm, and is recognized as a landscape painting within the Impressionist movement.
The painting depicts a scene of the town Port Marly affected by a flood. You can see that water has covered the roads and has come right up to the buildings. A series of bare, slender trees is aligned on the flooded streets, their reflections shimmering in the water. Just above their canopies, you can see a hint of the sky in muted blue and soft cloud-like swirls, which is characteristic of the Impressionistic style that captures light and atmosphere. The use of light and color is subtle, yet effective in conveying the mood of the scene—a tranquil yet somewhat somber picture of nature’s impact on a human settlement. The brushstrokes are loose and visible, typical of Impressionist techniques, suggesting the movement of water and the chilly, damp air. There’s a sense of stillness and calm despite the disruption of the flood. Sisley has signed the painting at the bottom right corner. The artwork evokes a sense of peace and quiet resilience, showing how life goes on even in the face of natural adversities.
