ImpressionismPreview image — download the full-resolution TIF after purchase
Basic Information
Historical Context
One of Sisley's most celebrated flood series, depicting the Seine overflowing at Port-Marly. Sisley painted approximately seven versions of the Port-Marly floods between 1872 and 1876, with the 1876 versions being the most distinguished. This series is considered among Sisley's most commercially and critically successful Impressionist works.
Artistic Appreciation
Sisley depicts the flood not as a disaster but as a quiet, transformed landscape -- an opportunity to study reflections, atmospheric effects, and the interplay of water and light. The palette is unified, predominantly silver-gray with soft violet and blue for shadows and small warm accents on building rooftops. This painting is a testament to Sisley's commitment to plein air painting under challenging conditions, capturing specific, transient meteorological phenomena with scientific curiosity and observational calm rather than dramatic alarm.
The Flood at Port-Marly (L'Inondation a Port-Marly)
Visual Description
The composition presents a view from a slightly elevated muddy bank toward the flooded town of Port-Marly. Tall bare poplar trees form vertical framing elements in the foreground. A winding flooded path crosses the foreground, reflecting the gray sky. A lone figure stands at the path's edge. The midground shows the calm, flooded Seine reflecting the town. The village church spire, multi-arched stone bridge, and clustered buildings are visible in the distance. The sky dominates the upper portion in somber gray tones.
Specifications
Order a Print
museum-quality prints of this artwork, shipped to your door
Subscribers save 30% on all prints
Free standard shipping (5-10 business days) · Ships from US
Instant download after payment — $1.99 per artwork
Re-download anytime from your account — no expiration
Commercial license included in every purchase
Or subscribe for $9.99/month — unlimited downloads
Community
Customer Reviews
Leave a Review
Loading comments...
More from
Alfred Sisley
The Road from Versailles to Saint-Germain (La Route de Versailles a Saint-Germain)
Fog, Voisins (Brouillard, Voisins)
The Loing at Moret (Le Loing a Moret)
The Loing at Saint-Mammes (Le Loing a Saint-Mammes)
The Bridge at Moret-sur-Loing (Le Pont de Moret-sur-Loing)
The Bridge at Moret-sur-Loing, Spring (Le Pont de Moret-sur-Loing, Printemps)
The Bridge at Sevres (Le Pont de Sevres)
The Bridge at Moret-sur-Loing, Summer (Le Pont de Moret-sur-Loing, Ete)