The Mills of Moret, Sunrise 1889

Alfred Sisley’s painting depicts the mills of Moret in France during the late 19th century. Sisley, along with other impressionist painters, shifted away from the academic painting tradition upheld by institutions like the École des Beaux-Arts. The impressionists ventured outdoors, capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. In this painting, Sisley records an industrial site but focuses on the play of light on the buildings and the river. The rise of industrialization in France had a profound impact on the landscape and society. The art world reflected these changes, but not always uncritically. While some artists celebrated progress, others mourned the loss of rural life and traditions. It’s useful to explore period sources like newspapers, photographs, and even literature to see how this evolving world was perceived by the public. The historian helps us understand this painting as a product of the social and institutional contexts of its time, not just a pretty picture.