The Umbrellas (Les Parapluies) - Reproduction/Puzzle
Mechanical reproduction/print on cardboard (Likely a set of coasters or a small puzzle block set) • Original by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (this item is a commercial reproduction)
Style & Movement
Impressionism (Subject matter); Modern Mass-market Decorative Item (Actual object)
Medium & Technique
Offset lithography on paperboard/cardboard
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (based on modern print quality and format)
Dimensions & Format
Small scale (approx. 4x4 inches per quadrant); Square format composed of four segments
Subject Description
A bustling Parisian street scene during a rain shower. The central figure is a young milliner's assistant carrying a basket; behind her, various figures navigate the crowd with umbrellas. The composition is noted for its transition between loose Impressionist brushwork and the more linear 'Ingresque' style.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair/Poor - The item shows significant wear at the joints and edges typical of used toys or household items.
Estimated Market Value
$5 - $15 USD
Auction Estimate
Negligible; likely sold as part of a larger lot of decorative bric-a-brac ($1 - $10)
Provenance History
Unknown; likely a retail purchase from museum shop or department store gift section.
Art Historical Significance
The original painting (National Gallery, London) is highly significant as it represents Renoir's stylistic shift in the 1880s. This item is a commercial reproduction with no inherent art historical value beyond documentation of the artist's popular appeal.
Notable Features
Quad-segmented design suggesting the pieces may be cubes or folding coasters featuring a detail of the larger original masterwork.
Condition Issues
Visible creasing at the center horizontal and vertical axes; edge wear/scuffing; misalignment of segments; surface grime.
Conservation Recommendations
No professional conservation recommended due to low replacement cost. Keep away from moisture to prevent cardboard warping.