The Basin at Argenteuil (Le Bassin d'Argenteuil)
Philatelic reproduction (stamp) of a landscape painting • Claude Monet (Original artist depicted); the reproduction is mass-produced
Style & Movement
Impressionism
Medium & Technique
Offset lithography on perforated paper; the original artwork depicted is oil on canvas
Creation Period
Original painting circa 1872; the reproduction (stamp) is likely late 20th to early 21st century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 1 x 1.5 inches; landscape format; rectangular with perforated edges
Subject Description
A riverside landscape in Argenteuil, France, featuring leisure boats, figures on a path, and a row of trees under a bright blue sky with cumulus clouds. The composition emphasizes the play of light on water and the fleeting qualities of the atmosphere.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; no visible folding, staining, or missing perforations
Estimated Market Value
$0.10 - $1.00 USD
Auction Estimate
Negligible; typically sold in bulk lots for $1.00 - $5.00 for hundreds of similar items
Provenance History
Likely part of a souvenir set or a philatelic collection specializing in fine art; mass-produced commercial provenance
Art Historical Significance
The original painting is a masterwork of Impressionism, representing the period when Monet and Renoir worked closely together in Argenteuil to develop the movement's hallmark loose brushwork and focus on modern leisure and natural light. This reproduction serves as a cultural artifact of the democratization of high art through postal and collectible media.
Notable Features
Perforated edges characteristic of postage stamps; lack of denomination or country name suggests this may be a 'cinderella stamp' or a sticker part of a museum series rather than functional postage.
Condition Issues
Minor softening of the paper corners due to handling; no significant damage or oxidation
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a dry, UV-protected environment; preferably in an acid-free philatelic sleeve or album to prevent yellowing or adhesive degradation