The artwork, titled “May Afternoon on the Loing,” was created by Alfred Sisley in 1888. Executed in oil on canvas, it is an exemplar of the Impressionist movement. This landscape piece measures 50 by 65.5 centimeters and is currently housed in a private collection.
In the artwork, vibrant, loosely applied brushstrokes capture a serene riverside scene bathed in the light of a tranquil afternoon. The foreground features tall trees with rich, verdant foliage, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. Two figures are seen strolling by the riverbank, suggesting a moment of leisure and contemplation. The river itself reflects the surrounding scenery, enhancing the sense of calm. Beyond the river, a village with pointed rooftops and a church steeple is detailed under a vast sky adorned with softly contoured clouds. The painting embodies the essence of Impressionism, with an emphasis on light, atmosphere, and the fleeting beauty of nature.