La rue St. Paul
Print, etching and aquatint on paper • Signed indistinctly (likely Canadian printmaker, possibly related to Quebec printmaking traditions)
Style & Movement
Mid-century Canadian Folk Art / Printmaking
Medium & Technique
Intaglio printmaking, specifically etching and aquatint with hand-coloring or color-plate printing
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century
Dimensions & Format
Estimated plate mark approximately 8 x 10 inches, vertical portrait format within matting and frame
Subject Description
An architectural landscape depicting a street scene in Old Quebec, featuring historic buildings with steeply pitched roofs, traditional French-Canadian architecture, and the distinctive mass of the Château Frontenac towering in the background under a muted sky.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition, well-preserved under glass with standard matting
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $200 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from an artisan gallery or Canadian print shop, part of a limited edition run
Art Historical Significance
Representative of Canadian tourist and regional souvenir printmaking traditions from the mid-20th century, capturing picturesque views of historic Quebec City landmarks in a charming illustrative style.
Notable Features
Numbered lower left in pencil (69/200), titled in the center ('la rue st. paul'), and pencil-signed by the artist lower right
Condition Issues
Minor age-related toning of the paper visible around the margins, otherwise no major tears or losses observed
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the paper and ink; ensure acid-free matting if re-framed