Seated Woman Reading (Jeune femme lisant)
Painting on paper/board, Tondo format • Lucien Boulier (French, 1882–1963)
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionism / Pointillism / Les Intimistes
Medium & Technique
Oil or pastel on paper/board using a pointillist and divisionist technique with fine, cross-hatched brushstrokes
Creation Period
Early 20th Century (Circa 1910-1925)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 40-50 cm in diameter; Tondo (circular) format in a period gilt frame
Subject Description
A classic 'intimiste' scene depicting a seated woman in a green dress, seen in profile while reading. The composition focuses on the soft light filtering onto her figure, rendered with a hazy, ethereal atmosphere typical of the artist's style.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the work shows natural aging with some softening of the color palette and minor surface dust, but appears stable within its frame.
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 - $4,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,500 - $3,000 USD
Provenance History
Attributed to the artist's middle period. Often such works passed through French galleries like Galerie Bernheim-Jeune or private European collections throughout the mid-20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Boulier was a student of Renoir and was heavily influenced by the Impressionist search for light. This work reflects the Post-Impressionist shift toward decorative surfaces and the intimate subject matter popularized by artists like Vuillard and Bonnard.
Notable Features
Distinctive monochromatic green palette and the use of the Tondo format which was a popular revival during the Belle Époque. The ornate Louis XV style gilt frame appears to be of the period.
Condition Issues
Possible minor fading of pigments due to light exposure; slight foxing or discoloration consistent with aged paper supports; potential micro-cracking in denser areas of paint application.
Conservation Recommendations
UV-protective glazing should be used for the frame. Maintain a stable humidity environment to prevent the paper support from warping or developing foxing.
Collector Notes
Lucien Boulier