Triptych of Middle Eastern Street Scenes (including Camel Caravan and Market Street)
Set of three drawings on paper (likely offset lithographs or mixed media) in square formats. • Signed 'Henry Beaufils' or 'H. Beaufils' (Henri Beaufils, 1871-1950).
Style & Movement
Mid-20th Century Orientalist Expressionism / Illustrative Realism.
Medium & Technique
Pen and ink with some light wash or hand-coloring; cross-hatching and fine-line architectural drawing techniques.
Creation Period
Dated 1948 and 1949 (visible in signatures).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12x12 inches each including the frames; landscape/square format in a tondo-like central focus.
Subject Description
Narrative scenes of daily life in the Middle East, likely Egypt or Saudi Arabia (Jeddah architecture). Includes a camel caravan in front of traditional buildings with Mashrabiya windows, a bustling market street, and a residential alleyway with a minaret in the background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair condition. While the drawings appear intact, there is visible yellowing/toning and evidence of foxing or moisture damage on the lower right of the center piece.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 for the set of three.
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400 for the group.
Provenance History
Unknown, likely acquired as a set in the mid-20th century. Artist was known for travel sketches across North Africa and the Middle East.
Art Historical Significance
Henri Beaufils was a recognized French painter and engraver who captured the architectural and ethnographic essence of the Arab world before major 20th-century modernization changed these landscapes.
Notable Features
Coordinated green and gold frames which appear original to the mid-century period; prominent signatures and dates; focus on specific 'Mashrabiya' architectural details.
Condition Issues
Paper acidification/yellowing, possible humidity spots (foxing) on the mats and artwork edges; evidence of potential non-archival mounting.
Conservation Recommendations
Requires de-acidification treatment by a paper conservator and reframing with UV-protective museum glass and acid-free mats to prevent further browning.