L'Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile depuis l'Avenue des Champs-Élysées
Drawing/Work on paper • André Sinet (French, 1867–1923)
Style & Movement
Belle Époque / Late Impressionism with influences of Tonalism
Medium & Technique
Pastel on paper (likely laid on board or heavy paper). Techniques include blending, soft hatching, and atmospheric perspective to create a misty 'sfumato' effect.
Creation Period
1901 (dated by artist lower left)
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format. Framed dimensions: 100 cm x 80 cm; Sight dimensions approx. 75 cm x 55 cm.
Subject Description
A view of the Champs-Élysées in Paris, looking toward the Arc de Triomphe which is visible in the distant haze. The foreground features the 'Chevaux de Marly' (Coustou's horses) sculptures flanking the entrance to the avenue. The scene captures the bustle of early 20th-century Parisian life including horse-drawn carriages, a cyclist, and pedestrians under a soft, overcast sky typical of Sinet's atmospheric urban studies.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; well-preserved colors and structural integrity typical for a work maintained behind glass in a private collection.
Estimated Market Value
€3,500 - €5,500
Auction Estimate
€2,500 - €4,000
Provenance History
Private Parisian Collection. The piece bears a signature and date 'Paris 1901' in the lower left, confirming its origin in the artist's peak period in France.
Art Historical Significance
André Sinet was a noted chronicler of Parisian life and high society during the Belle Époque. This work is significant for its large scale—unusual for pastels of this period—and its iconic subject matter. It represents Sinet's mastery over the pastel medium to evoke the specific 'light' of Paris, positioning him among the skilled French 'vedutisti' of the turn of the century.
Notable Features
Features the artist's distinctively elegant signature and the specific location 'Paris' with the date. Housed in a substantial carved gilt-wood 'Louis XV style' frame with ornate corner fleurons, which enhances the period-specific aesthetic of the piece.
Condition Issues
None visible from the photograph. Minimal risk of pastel 'dusting' or minor peripheral foxing under the mat, though not apparent. Paper remains stable without visible damp staining or UV bleaching.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment with humidity between 40-50%. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent pigment fading. If the glass is not UV-protective, upgrading to museum-grade acrylic or glass is recommended to preserve UV stability and reduce glare.
Collector Notes
Andre Sinet - pastel in excellent condition signed ans dated 1901 from a private Parisian collection overall 100 cm x 80 cm framed