Parisian Flower Market Near the Madeleine
Painting, likely oil on canvas or board • Attributed to Philippe Pernot (signed 'Pernot' lower left). Pernot was an artist known for capturing quintessential Parisian street scenes for the commercial and tourist markets.
Style & Movement
Mid-century Impressionist revival / Parisian School of Street Painting
Medium & Technique
Oil paint using alla prima and wet-on-wet techniques. Features energetic brushwork, visible impasto in the floral highlights, and a loose, painterly application typical of mid-20th-century decorative Impressionism.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, circa 1950s–1970s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 16 x 20 inches (excluding frame); Landscape format
Subject Description
A bustling Parisian street scene featuring a flower market stall under a yellow awning situated near a classical building (likely the Madeleine Church). In the background, a Morris Column (advertising kiosk) and wet cobblestone streets reflect the soft, overcast light of a typical day in Paris.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paint film appears stable, though there is visible surface grime and yellowing of the varnish consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a decorative piece in the mid-to-late 20th century. A partial label is visible on the inner right edge of the frame, possibly from a gallery or frame shop in the US or Europe.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the popular Post-War demand for Parisian cityscapes. While not an avant-garde work, it belongs to the tradition of 'Peintres de Paris' who documented the city's charm for international collectors and tourists.
Notable Features
Features the distinct 'Pernot' signature in the lower-left corner; includes classic Parisian motifs like the Morris Column and the Madeleine columns; housed in a period-style 'shabby chic' white-washed frame with a linen liner.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dirt, possible slight yellowing of varnish, and some wear/chipping to the painted wooden frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Light surface cleaning and a fresh coat of archival varnish would brighten the colors significantly. Display under UV-filtered light to prevent pigment fading.