The High Wheeler (also known as Penny-Farthing Paris)
Limited edition print (serigraph/lithograph) on heavy paper • Isaac Maimon (b. 1951)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative Art / Parisian Chic; heavily influenced by Belle Époque poster art and Toulouse-Lautrec
Medium & Technique
Color serigraphy with hand-drawn line work and flat planes of color; utilizes a layered printing process typical of high-end commercial fine art editions
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (circa 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Large-scale landscape format; estimated image size 30 x 40 inches, framed to approximately 42 x 52 inches.
Subject Description
A vibrant crowd scene depicting figures in fin-de-siècle Parisian attire gathered around a man riding a Penny-farthing bicycle. The composition features Maimon's signature 'boulevardiers' including fashionable women, men in top hats, and a circus-like performer. The mood is festive and nostalgic, emphasizing social interaction and leisure.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; colors appear vibrant and saturated with no visible foxing, humidity damage, or UV fading.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 (inclusive of high-quality framing)
Auction Estimate
$400 - $750
Provenance History
Likely originally acquired from a commercial fine art gallery (such as Park West Gallery or similar distributors of Maimon's work). Currently held in a private residential collection as evidenced by the domestic setting.
Art Historical Significance
Isaac Maimon is a prominent Israeli artist known for capturing 'La Vie Belle.' His work is commercially successful and revitalizes the aesthetics of the French 19th-century cafe culture for contemporary audiences. This piece is representative of his most popular thematic period.
Notable Features
Hand-signed 'Maimon' in the lower right corner; inscribed 'AP' (Artist Proof) in the lower left corner. The frame is a high-quality ornate gold-leafed wood frame with a double-matted presentation.
Condition Issues
None visible; the paper appears flat with no rippling (cockling). Mention of the 'AP' mark confirms it is an Artist's Proof, which is generally more desirable than the standard numbered edition.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight. Ensure the glass is UV-protective to prevent future fading of the sensitive color pigments.
Collector Notes
Maimon