View of Sacré-Cœur from a Montmartre Street
Painting on canvas • Signed 'Renati'; likely a prolific mid-century decorative artist or a member of the School of Paris commercial studios
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionism / Expressionism with Fauvist influences
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; applied with a palette knife and heavy impasto technique with bold, black outlines
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (Circa 1950-1970)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 12 inches; vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A vertical street scene in Montmartre, Paris, showing pedestrians on a cobblestone lane leading toward the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur. The composition uses steep perspective and stylized architectural forms with a muted but high-contrast palette.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; shows typical signs of age-related wear for a decorative mid-century work
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $450 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely purchased as a souvenir or decorative work in Europe or imported to the US market in the mid-20th century. Found on an auction aggregate site.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the 'Grand Tour' style souvenir paintings from post-WWII Paris. While decorative in nature, it reflects the enduring influence of Maurice Utrillo on depictions of the Parisian cityscape.
Notable Features
Prominent palette knife texture; distinctive 'Renati' signature in the lower right corner; period-appropriate narrow gold 'slat' frame characteristic of the mid-20th century.
Condition Issues
Slight surface grime, potential minor craquelure in heavier impasto areas, and minor abrasions to the gold-toned wooden frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning to remove dust/grime; keep in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light to prevent pigment fading.