Parisian Street Scene / Place du Tertre
Print (likely an offset lithograph or serigraph) on paper • Charles (likely a commercial illustrator or decorative artist such as Charles Cobelle, known for similar Parisian lithographs)
Style & Movement
Mid-century Modern / School of Paris (Decorative Expressionism). Heavily influenced by Dufy and Fauvism.
Medium & Technique
Ink and gouache style rendering reproduced via printing process. Features stylized, flat color fields and dark outlines.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, circa 1950s-1970s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches; Landscape orientation
Subject Description
A bustling Parisian square featuring kiosks, street vendors, and pedestrians. The composition uses a high horizon line and simplified figures to convey the lively atmosphere of Montmartre.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. Visible signs of aging consistent with its period.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or department store as decorative home art in the mid-to-late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the post-war boom in 'commercial fine art' where Parisian scenes were mass-produced to satisfy middle-class interior design trends for European travel aesthetics.
Notable Features
Features a distinctive 'Charles' signature in the lower right; housed in a period-correct thin metal 'frame-box' common in the 1970s.
Condition Issues
Visible yellowing/toning of the paper (acidification from non-archival backing), slight rippling of the paper under the glass, and minor light-fading of the pigments.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend archival remounting with acid-free matting to prevent further yellowing. Update to UV-protective glass to preserve remaining color.