Au Pere Tranquille (Street Scene of Paris)
Print; limited edition color lithograph on paper • Michel Delacroix (French, b. 1933)
Style & Movement
Naïve Art (Art Naïf); specifically focused on the 'le Paris de mon enfance' nostalgia style.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography, characterized by flat fields of color and precise line work to create a bustling cityscape; hand-signed and numbered in pencil.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980-1995)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches (image size), presented in a landscape format with a white mat and gilt wood frame.
Subject Description
A nostalgic Belle Époque or mid-century Parisian street intersection. Central to the composition is the restaurant 'Au Pere Tranquille'. The scene features figures in period dress, a vintage steam-powered tractor, and commercial signage including 'Chocolat Menier' and 'Moutarde Grey Poupon'. The architecture captures the classic Haussmann-style aesthetic of Paris with a vibrant, storytelling narrative.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible light mat burn/toning along the perimeter of the paper and slight fading of the sky pigments consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,200 (depending on the specific edition rarity and demand)
Auction Estimate
$400 - $700
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or art publisher during the 1980s or 90s, common in collections of French contemporary printmaking.
Art Historical Significance
Michel Delacroix is the premier modern master of Naïve Parisian cityscapes. This work is representative of his ability to idealize Paris before modern modernization, capturing a sense of peace ('tranquille') and communal life that has made him world-renowned.
Notable Features
Hand-signed 'Michel Delacroix' in pencil at the lower right and numbered '53/150' (or similar small edition) at the lower left; includes iconic French brand advertisements which are hallmarks of the artist's style.
Condition Issues
Evidence of mat burn (acidic discoloration) where the paper meets the matting; minor yellowing of the paper support; potential light-induced fading of the blue tones in the sky.
Conservation Recommendations
Re-matting with acid-free museum-grade materials; installation of UV-protective glazing (acrylic or glass) to prevent further fading; avoid hanging in direct sunlight.