Lot Essay
Sisley left Marly-le-Roi in the autumn of 1878 and moved to 7, Avenue de Bellevue at Sèvres, however he could not escape his financial troubles and within a year he had to ask Georges Charpentier for a loan in order to be able to rent an apartment at 16 Grand Rue in Sèvres. Despite his straitened circumstances, Sisley painted many views of the town such as the quays, bridge and square as well as the famous porcelain factory depicted in the present painting.
The Sèvres factory was founded in 1738 in the Chateau de Viennes. In 1752 Louis XV became the principal shareholder under the influence of Madame Pompadour and the factory was moved in 1756 to a new building at Sèvres and enjoyed its golden age. In 1793 the factory was declared as state property. By the time Sisley painted the present painting, the factory had been reorganised and was attempting to revive its former excellence and glory.
The Sèvres factory was founded in 1738 in the Chateau de Viennes. In 1752 Louis XV became the principal shareholder under the influence of Madame Pompadour and the factory was moved in 1756 to a new building at Sèvres and enjoyed its golden age. In 1793 the factory was declared as state property. By the time Sisley painted the present painting, the factory had been reorganised and was attempting to revive its former excellence and glory.