Sentier de la Mi Cote, Louveciennes 1873

Alfred Sisley made this oil on canvas painting, Sentier de la Mi-Cote, Louveciennes, capturing a slice of French countryside life. It offers a glimpse into the world of the late 19th century, a period marked by significant social and economic shifts. As you observe the scene, consider the implications of representing the French landscape during a time of rapid industrialization and urbanization. What does it mean to focus on the tranquility of rural life, seemingly untouched by the transformations reshaping French society? Sisley's decision to depict a humble path rather than a grand boulevard speaks volumes. Delving into the social history of Impressionism and looking at archival sales records and exhibition reviews allows us to understand how such works found their place within the evolving art market and the emerging institutions of modern art. Sisley provides a window into a moment of transition.