The Bridge at Argenteuil 1872

Alfred Sisley made this painting of ‘The Bridge at Argenteuil’ with oil on canvas, in 1872. Sisley’s tranquil scene encapsulates the development of the Parisian suburbs in this period and the growth of leisure activities on the Seine. The bridge itself speaks to the industrial development, while the small boats nod to more leisurely pursuits. It’s important to note that the painting was made shortly after the Franco-Prussian war. Argenteuil was occupied by Prussian troops, and the previous bridge was destroyed during the conflict, so Sisley is documenting a moment of rebuilding. Sisley and his fellow impressionists were interested in moving away from the formal constraints of academic art institutions. Unlike the historical and mythological subjects which were traditionally exhibited, the Impressionists focused on scenes of everyday life. Studying the social history of the time, through sources such as newspapers and personal letters, can help us understand the ways in which these artists were engaging with contemporary social issues.