Impression, Sunrise (Impression, soleil levant)
Reproduction print (likely offset lithograph) on textured paper or board • Claude Monet (Original); this item is a commercial reproduction
Style & Movement
Impressionism
Medium & Technique
Print after an original oil on canvas; mimicking the original's impasto and visible brushwork through photomechanical reproduction
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1960s based on owner provenance)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 48 x 63 cm (standard medium reproduction size); Landscape orientation
Subject Description
A hazy view of the port of Le Havre at sunrise. The composition features a vibrant orange sun reflecting on the water, small rowboats in the foreground, and the silhouettes of masts and industrial chimneys in the misty background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; visible evidence of surface fading and substrate warping
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $75 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $50 USD
Provenance History
Purchased in Rue de Rivoli, Paris, 1966. This area was a frequent hub for souvenir and art print shops catering to tourists visiting the Louvre and nearby galleries.
Art Historical Significance
The original 1872 painting is one of the most significant works in Western art history, as its title inspired the name of the Impressionist movement. This reproduction serves as a cultural artifact representing the mid-century popularization of the Impressionist canon.
Notable Features
Includes a printed facsimile of Monet's signature and the date '72' in the bottom left corner. Housed in a mid-century silver-toned wooden frame typical of 1960s decor.
Condition Issues
Fading of pigments (particularly the blues and oranges), potential UV damage from long-term display, and minor warping or ripples in the support material visible within the frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading. Upgrade to UV-filter glass if sentimental value warrants; however, the cost of professional conservation would exceed the market value of the print.
Collector Notes
Possible a early print, purchased in rue de rivoli in 1966