Bouquinistes along the Seine with Notre-Dame
Print (aquatint etching) on paper • French School; possibly after or in the style of Tavik František Šimon or Luigi Kasimir, who specialized in color etchings of Paris.
Style & Movement
Belle Époque / Realism; nostalgic depiction of Parisian life characteristic of early 20th-century souvenir printmaking.
Medium & Technique
Color etching and aquatint; features fine line-work for architectural details and tonal shading for atmospheric effects.
Creation Period
Early 20th Century (circa 1910–1930)
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format; estimated image size 8x10 inches, overall frame size approximately 16x18 inches.
Subject Description
A view of the Quai de la Tournelle or Quai de Montebello along the Seine. It features the iconic 'bouquinistes' (secondhand book stalls) in the foreground with figures browsing, and the distant silhouette of Notre-Dame Cathedral under a hazy, possibly autumnal sky.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; significant mat burn and acid-burn discoloration visible along the paper edges from non-archival mounting.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $250 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a decorative print or souvenir in France; subsequent history in a private collection. No visible signatures or labels are discernible in the photograph.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the popular fascination with Parisian urban life and the 'flâneur' culture of the early 1900s. While likely a commercial edition, it captures the architectural heritage and cultural icons of pre-war Paris.
Notable Features
The use of 'a la poupee' inking for subtle color transitions and the detailed rendering of the cathedral's flying buttresses in the background.
Condition Issues
Pronounced yellowing/toning of the paper, significant mat burn around the inner border, and potential light-fading of the pigments.
Conservation Recommendations
Acid-free re-matting is urgent to stop further paper degradation. Use of UV-protective glass and deep-cleaning of the frame is recommended.