Musée d’Orsay · 1876
Flooding at Port-Marly
Alfred Sisley
Sisley paints the aftermath of a severe flood that swallowed the streets of Port-Marly in early 1876, showing rowboats gliding past half-submerged buildings where a wine merchant's sign still hangs above the waterline.
Why it matters
Sisley paints the aftermath of a severe flood that swallowed the streets of Port-Marly in early 1876, showing rowboats gliding past half-submerged buildings where a wine merchant's sign still hangs above the waterline.
Look closer
Notice how calm and mirror-like the floodwater is — rather than painting chaos or disaster, Sisley finds a strange, still beauty in the flooded street, with reflections doubling every building and boat.
Sisley was so struck by this flood that he painted the same street seven different times that year — this painting is one of a closely watched series now split between museums around the world.
Value context
ELYIO places this work in an indicative editorial context of €7–14 million.
The museum work is not for sale. This is ELYIO indicative context—not an appraisal, insurance value or offer.