Fête de Nuit (Night Festival in a French Village)
Original Color Lithograph / Print on paper • Michel Delacroix (French, b. 1933)
Style & Movement
Naïve Art (Primitivism); 20th-century French genre painting
Medium & Technique
Color lithography; layered ink application to create a flat, saturated 'naive' aesthetic characteristic of the artist's style.
Creation Period
Late 20th century, circa 1970-1990
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches (image size); landscape format
Subject Description
A nostalgic, idealized scene of 'Old Paris' or a French town at night. Figures are depicted dancing in a square under streetlights, accompanied by a small band on a platform. The background features stylized multi-story buildings with shopfronts like 'Felix Potin' and 'Cafe Tabac', smokestacks, and soft, glowing windows under a dark evening sky.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears bright with minimal fading, though housing in a standard wood frame may suggest non-archival materials.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$250 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial gallery or specialized print publisher (such as Axelle Fine Arts). Bears a printed signature lower right and an 'Original Lithograph' blind stamp/text lower left.
Art Historical Significance
Delacroix is a leading figure in the Naive movement, known for his 'poetic realism' and nostalgic depictions of Paris before the modern era. His work is significant for its accessibility and commercial success in the late 20th century.
Notable Features
Includes the artist's signature in the plate/stone and a distinct 'Lithographie Originale' mark on the bottom left corner, confirming its status as a sanctioned edition.
Condition Issues
Slight rippling of the paper visible under the glass; potential acidic burn from the matting if not acid-free; minor frame scuffing.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend reframing with acid-free museum-grade matting and UV-protective glass to prevent long-term yellowing and ink degradation.