Royal Street and St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans
Mass-produced decorative wall plaque • Generic commercial production; often associated with mid-century souvenir brands such as Illinois Moulding Co. or similar décor manufacturers.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Kitsch / Nostalgic Americana
Medium & Technique
Lithographic print or decoupage applied to a wood substrate with a protective lacquer or resin coating.
Creation Period
Circa 1960s – 1970s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 18 inches; vertical portrait format on a hand-hewn style decorative board.
Subject Description
A street-level view of Royal Street in New Orleans' French Quarter, featuring historic buildings with wrought-iron balconies leading the eye toward the spires of St. Louis Cathedral under a pale sky.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; visible wear to the edges of the wood and surface abrasions on the image area.
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 – $35.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 – $25.00 USD
Provenance History
Likely purchased as a souvenir or home décor item from a department store or gift shop; currently located in a secondary market/thrift setting.
Art Historical Significance
Minimal; representative of the mid-20th-century trend for mass-produced 'rustic' home décor and the commercialization of regional American landmarks.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'chopped' or notched wood border designed to simulate a hand-crafted, rustic aesthetic typical of 1970s interior design.
Condition Issues
Scuffing and minor paint/ink loss on the central image; edge wear and chipping on the faux-carved wooden frame border; light oxidation/yellowing of the finish coat.
Conservation Recommendations
Clean with a dry micro-fiber cloth; avoid moisture or chemical solvents which may lift the print from the wood substrate.