Paris, le Moulin Rouge
Original drawing or lithograph with watercolor coloring on paper • Etienne Lelong (French, 1908–1984)
Style & Movement
Mid-century Illustration / School of Paris (Post-Impressionist influence)
Medium & Technique
Watercolor and pen/ink over graphite. The technique uses loose, gestural washes characteristic of mid-century Parisian street scenes.
Creation Period
Circa 1950s–1960s
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format; approximately 10 x 12 inches (image) within a larger frame.
Subject Description
A bustling street scene of the Place Blanche in Montmartre, Paris, featuring the iconic Moulin Rouge cabaret with its red windmill. The composition includes vintage automobiles, pedestrians in period attire, and a sidewalk café in the foreground.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. There is visible yellowing of the mat board and paper consistent with age and exposure to non-acid-free materials.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $200 USD
Provenance History
The piece bears an artist signature 'E. Lelong' in the lower right and a title inscription 'Paris, le Moulin Rouge' in the lower left. Likely acquired as a souvenir or through a commercial gallery in the mid-20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the 'Paris School' of commercial artists who captured the romanticized urban life of post-war Paris. While more decorative than avant-garde, Lelong's work is collected for its nostalgic charm and architectural record of the city.
Notable Features
Signature 'E. Lelong' is clear. Characterized by the specific mid-century car models which help tightly date the work to the late 1950s or early 1960s.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing or light staining in the sky area; significant acidic mat burn (discoloration along the edges where the paper meets the mat); minor frame wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend replacing the current acidic mat with museum-grade acid-free matting and UV-protective glass to prevent further fading and browning of the paper.