The Banks of the Seine in Autumn flood 

Alfred Sisley, a British artist working in France, painted "The Banks of the Seine in Autumn Flood" during a time of significant social change, and growing concerns about the human impact on the natural world. Sisley’s commitment to painting landscapes en plein air is evident in the atmospheric perspective and muted color palette of this piece. The flooded river Seine reflects the overcast sky, blurring the boundary between water and sky, land and reflection. The bare trees stand as silent witnesses to the transformative power of nature. Sisley once said, “Every painting shows a spot that existed, and I like to paint it just as it is.” While seemingly apolitical, Sisley’s dedication to capturing the fleeting moments of the natural world can be seen as a reflection on the growing disconnect between industrializing society and the environment. In its quiet contemplation of nature's force, this painting encourages us to reflect on our place within the larger ecological system and the ephemerality of existence.