Les Bouquinistes et Notre-Dame (The Booksellers and Notre-Dame)
Print on paper, likely an etching with aquatint or a colored lithograph • French School; reminiscent of the works of artists like Tavik František Šimon or Lucien Gautier who specialized in Parisian cityscapes.
Style & Movement
Belle Époque / Post-Impressionist Realism
Medium & Technique
Intaglio process (etching) with hand-coloring or aquatint; features fine line work to define the architecture and soft tonal washes for the atmosphere.
Creation Period
Early 20th century (circa 1910–1930)
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format; estimated plate size 8 x 10 inches, framed to approximately 16 x 20 inches.
Subject Description
A classic Parisian scene depicting the 'bouquinistes' (secondhand booksellers) along the Seine River with their characteristic green boxes. In the background, the silhouette of the Notre-Dame Cathedral is visible through a hazy, atmospheric light. Pedestrians stroll along the Quai in period attire.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible yellowing of the paper consistent with age and acidic matting.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD (depending on attribution and verification of the signature hidden by the mat).
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely a commercial print produced for the tourist trade or art collectors in early 20th-century Paris. Modern inventory sticker suggest recent transit through a secondary market or thrift outlet.
Art Historical Significance
Iconic representation of Parisian cultural life. Such prints were instrumental in romanticizing the city of Paris for an international audience during the turn of the century.
Notable Features
Includes a distinctive double-matted frame. The composition uses a strong diagonal line created by the stone wall to lead the eye toward the atmospheric rendering of Notre-Dame.
Condition Issues
Visible surface reflections on glass indicate it is not museum-grade; paper shows signs of light-toning (browning) and potential foxing under the mat. Acidic matting may be leaching into the paper edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Re-frame using acid-free archival matting and UV-protective glass. A professional dry cleaning of the paper could mitigate the yellowing.