Puerta del Sol - Madrid
Painting on hardboard (likely Masonite or panel) • Signed 'Vasigny' (attributed to a commercial or mid-century decorative artist specializing in European cityscapes).
Style & Movement
Mid-century Impressionistic Cityscape / Decorative Expressionism
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic painting featuring gestural impasto, wet-on-wet application, and palette knife work for architectural details and crowds.
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century (circa 1960s-1970s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches; Landscape format
Subject Description
A bustling street scene of the Puerta del Sol in Madrid, Spain. Key landmarks include the Real Casa de Correos (Post Office building) with its clock tower on the left and the visible 'Fundador' and 'Tio Pepe' (stylized) neon signs atop buildings. The foreground is filled with a dense, abstracted crowd rendered in quick colorful dabs.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows visible surface wear and structural indentations.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a souvenir or decorative work in Europe during the mid-20th century; signature and location 'Madrid Puerta del Sol' inscribed bottom right.
Art Historical Significance
A typical example of the mid-20th century 'souvenir' painting market, capturing the post-war boom in tourism and the popularity of European cityscapes in home decor.
Notable Features
Includes the iconic 'Fundador' brandy signage which is a historical landmark of the Madrid skyline; expressive use of scale to emphasize the architectural grandeur against the faceless crowd.
Condition Issues
Significant surface abrasions, horizontal scratching in the sky area, circular indentations/pressure marks on the right side, and paint loss along the top edge.
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning by a professional, structural stabilization of the board, and framing with a spacer to prevent further surface contact.