The artwork “Sunset at Port Marly,” created by Alfred Sisley in 1876, is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 50.17 x 65.41 cm. It belongs to the Impressionism movement and falls under the genre of cityscape. Presently housed in a private collection, the painting embodies the characteristic brushwork and play of light and color synonymous with Sisley’s style.
The painting depicts an evocative scene at Port Marly during sunset, capturing the essence of everyday life in a small town with a tranquil yet dynamic atmosphere. The sky dominates the upper portion of the artwork, blending myriad soft hues of pink, blue, and orange to render a serene yet vivid sunset. Below, the town is illustrated with a winding road lined with buildings and trees. Small figures of people and horse-drawn carriages are scattered along the road, contributing to the sense of quotidian activity. The interplay between light and shadow, combined with the textured brushstrokes, conveys a fleeting moment in time, resonating deeply with the Impressionist emphasis on capturing the transient effects of light and atmosphere.
