Parisian Café Scene overlooking Notre-Dame
Original colored lithograph or mixed media work on paper • Attributed to or in the style of Le Pho or a contemporary French-School illustrator; the signature 'Le Pho' is visible in the bottom right corner.
Style & Movement
Modernist with Post-Impressionist influences; specifically the School of Paris (École de Paris) style characterized by light, ethereal compositions.
Medium & Technique
Lithography with hand-coloring or watercolor washes; ink drawing technique utilizing calligraphic lines and fluid translucent washes.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, likely circa 1970-1990
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches (image size); horizontal landscape format.
Subject Description
An interior restaurant or café scene featuring two figures at a table and a standing waiter. The window provides a scenic view of the Seine and the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The composition uses thin, rapid lines to create a sense of movement and momentary atmosphere.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; colors appear vibrant through the glass, though the paper may show very slight toning commensurate with age.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500
Auction Estimate
$1,200 - $2,500
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or art dealer specializing in European prints; marked 'A.P.' (Artist's Proof) and numbered '17/40' in the lower left.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the mid-to-late 20th-century fascination with Parisian romanticism. Le Pho (Vietnamese-French) is highly regarded for blending Asian delicacy with French colorism, making his prints and paintings highly collectible among international auction houses.
Notable Features
Clearly designated as an 'A.P.' (Artist's Proof), which is typically more desirable than the standard edition; features a distinct view of Notre-Dame before the 2019 fire; features a decorative gilt frame of its era.
Condition Issues
Possible slight light-fading if exposed to direct UV; minor acid-burn possible where the paper meets the non-archival matting.
Conservation Recommendations
Verify if the mounting is acid-free; suggest replacing with UV-protective glass and archival museum board to prevent further yellowing or fading.