Impressionist painters turned repeatedly to the
depiction of small provincial towns like Villeneuve-la-Garenne. This
canvas comes from the early period of Impressionism and still retains
elements of traditional compositions, with the centre of the landscape
framed by trees, creating a stage-like effect. Yet this does not deprive
the painting of its naturalness:
Sisley had a fine lyrical sense and had
the rare gift of being able to capture the modest charm and gentle beauty
of nature.
In this painting the "hero" is the vivid sunlight
illuminating the buildings, seen from the shade beneath the trees.
Sisley
successfully captured that feeling of cool air, contrasting with the still
heat of the opposite bank.
