Paris with Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)
Original limited edition print on paper, housed in a double-mat and gilded frame. • Christine Chagnot (French, 20th Century artist known for her whimsical depictions of cities and landmarks).
Style & Movement
Contemporary Naïve Art / Illustrative Surrealism. The style is characterized by flattened perspective, detailed patterns, and a playful, storybook quality.
Medium & Technique
Color etching and aquatint. The piece shows characteristic plate marks (indentations) and fine-line intaglio work combined with tonal areas created via aquatint for the sky and color fills.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970s - 1990s).
Dimensions & Format
Estimated image size 10 x 8 inches; framed size approximately 18 x 16 inches. Square/Vertical rectangular format.
Subject Description
A whimsical depiction of the Eiffel Tower dominating the Parisian skyline. The composition features a dense tapestry of colorful houses at the base, the Seine river with small boats, and Montmartre with the Sacré-Cœur visible in the background. The sky contains a small airplane, a helicopter, and a hot air balloon. The tower itself is stylized with decorative patterns and topped with a French tricolor flag.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The print appears well-preserved within the frame, though there is a visible 'tide mark' or yellowish staining on the outer matting (bottom left), suggesting possible past moisture exposure or acid-migration from the mat board.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD.
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD.
Provenance History
Hand-signed in pencil lower right by 'Christine Chagnot.' Numbered 'XXV / CL' (25 of 150) in pencil lower left. The use of Roman numerals often suggests a special edition or 'Hors de Commerce' batch within the larger print run.
Art Historical Significance
Chagnot's work contributed to the popular genre of 20th-century French decorative prints meant to evoke nostalgia and charm. While not considered 'high art' in a canonical sense, her work is widely collected for its technical precision in etching and its cheerful, accessible aesthetic.
Notable Features
Features a distinctive 'XXV/CL' numbering, marking it as part of a limited edition of 150. The artist's hand-signature is clear and authentic to her known style. The double matting with a light blue inner border is a typical decorative framing style from the 1980s.
Condition Issues
Primary issue is the staining/foxing on the matting. The print itself should be inspected for light-fading (tonicity in the sky seems slightly muted) and to ensure the staining hasn't reached the paper of the artwork itself.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend replacing the current acidic matting with acid-free, museum-grade rag board to prevent further staining and 'acid burn' to the print. Use UV-protective glass if displaying in a room with natural light.