Seated Woman Reading (Jeune femme lisant)
Painting on circular panel or canvas mounted to board • Lucien Boulier (French, 1882–1963)
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionism / Intimisme
Medium & Technique
Pastel or oil on support, utilizing a hatch-like, feathered brushwork technique known as 'hachures'
Creation Period
Circa 1910-1920
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 70 cm (including frame); tondo (circular) format
Subject Description
A seated woman in a green dress is depicted in profile, holding a book or letter. The composition is soft and atmospheric, focusing on the intimate moment of reading. The use of monochromatic green tones and hazy outlines emphasizes the mood over anatomical detail.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair. The work shows significant overall yellowing or 'greening' which may be due to aged varnish or light-sensitive pigments.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,000 - $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely French private collection; typical of early 20th-century Parisian salon art. No specific gallery labels are visible on the front.
Art Historical Significance
Lucien Boulier was an associate of the Salon des Artistes Français and known for his delicate portraits and nudes of women. This piece is representative of the 'Intimiste' style, common among post-impressionist artists who focused on quiet, domestic interior scenes.
Notable Features
The tondo format is a signature style for Boulier's feminine subjects. The ornate gilded frame appears to be of the period, adding to its decorative value.
Condition Issues
Notable color shift toward an monochromatic green hue (likely aged surface film or photo-degradation). Possible surface grime and frame wear with minor losses to the gilding.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning by a conservator to determine if the green cast is removable varnish; UV-protective glazing and climate-controlled display to prevent further fading of delicate pigments.
Collector Notes
Lucien Boulier - The painting is 70 cm framed