Deux Jeunes Filles (Two Figures with Blue and Gold Accents)
Painting on canvas • Attributed to Philippe Noyer (French, 1917-1985) or School of Jean-Pierre Cassigneul, likely a mid-century French School artist specialized in decorative figuration.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / French School / Figurative Expressionism with elements of Fauvism and Deco revival.
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, executed with heavy impasto and wide, expressive palette knife applications. Use of vibrant, saturated pigments mixed directly on the surface.
Creation Period
Circa 1960s - 1970s
Dimensions & Format
Large scale, approximately 40 x 30 inches; Vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A double portrait featuring two stylized female figures. The figure on the left is adorned in yellow/gold tones with floral or feather-like textures; the figure on the right wears a wide-brimmed blue hat with a red floral accent. The figures have wide, expressive eyes and are set against a mottled, textured light blue background. The composition focuses on floral motifs and feminine elegance.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The impasto appears stable, though there is potential surface dirt and dust accumulation visible in the crevices of the thick paint.
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $7,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$2,500 - $5,000 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired from a commercial gallery specializing in mid-century French figurative art. No visible gallery labels from the current perspective.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the post-war resurgence of decorative figuration in France, bridging the gap between high modernism and commercial salon art. It reflects the era's fascination with glamour, stylized femininity, and lush texture.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'Dolls-eye' stylization of the figures and a heavily gilded period-style frame with a linen liner, characteristic of high-end commercial art presentations of the 1970s.
Condition Issues
Visible layer of surface grime; minor yellowing of the varnish may be present. Heavy impasto is prone to micro-cracking over time, though none is immediately catastrophic here.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning to remove dust and contaminants; inspection of the canvas tension; display in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light to prevent pigment fading.