Alfred Sisley was born on the 30th October 1839, in Paris, France to wealthy English parents. His father sent him to London to learn English and become a businessman. Although Sisley did not agree, and wanted to become an artist. He began to draw in London, from 1857 to1862. When he arrived back in Paris at the age of 23, his supported him, and sent him to the École des Beaux-Arts, where he worked under the encouragement of Charles Gleyre who told him to paint in en plein air (open air) and to be original. There he met Bazille, Monet and Renoir, and they would paint landscapes together in en plein air. In their work, they would realistically capture the effects of sunlight on the land, which resulted in making their artworks colourful, which was different to what the society were used to.
In1880 Sisley moved to a small village near Moret-sur-Loing. The ‘gentle landscapes with their constantly changing atmosphere were perfectly attuned to his talents.’
Through his entire life, he only lived in France, except for some occasional visits to London. Although, at the age of 59, Alfred Sisley died of throat cancer on 29th January, 1899 in Moret-sur-Loing, France. It was only then, and following his death did he receive recognition for his artworks.


La Seine à Argenteuil
1870






A Forest Clearing
1800’s