Harbor Scene with Palm Trees and Figures
Original colored lithograph on paper • Robert Savary (French, 1920–2000)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century French Figurative School (École de Paris), influenced by Fauvism and Post-Impressionism.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography utilizing multiple stones/plates for layered application of vibrant primary and secondary colors; features crayon-like texture and gestural line work.
Creation Period
1984 (as dated in the lower right margin)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 76 x 56 cm (standard lithographic size); Vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A bustling waterfront scene depicting luxury yachts, various flags (including the French Tricolour), and palm trees. Figures are seen in the foreground lounging in beach chairs and strolling along a pier, captured with a festive, light-filled Shoreline atmosphere.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the print shows vibrant color retention but exhibits signs of age-related tonification in the margins.
Estimated Market Value
$600 – $1,200 USD
Auction Estimate
$400 – $800 USD
Provenance History
Hand-signed and inscribed by the artist: "à Monsieur George Brion amicalement, R. Savary, 1984." Numbered 19/120 in the lower left, indicating a limited edition run.
Art Historical Significance
Robert Savary was a winner of the Prix de Rome (1950) and a significant figure in 20th-century French figurative art. This piece is representative of his later career interest in capturing the leisure and light of the French Mediterranean coast.
Notable Features
Features a rare personal dedication to George Brion; the numbering 19/120 confirms its status as a limited edition original print rather than a commercial reproduction.
Condition Issues
Visible light-staining or 'mat burn' around the edges from previous framing; minor foxing possible under the glass; slight waving of the paper.
Conservation Recommendations
Remount using acid-free, archival materials and UV-protective glazing. Professional cleaning by a paper conservator could mitigate the margin discoloration.