Cityscape Drawing Appraisal

Ink Drawing / Print of Quebec City with Cannon by H. Hayse Proulx

This is a monochrome ink drawing or print, likely a lithograph or etching, depicting a street scene with a prominent cannon in the foreground and a grand building, identifiable as the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City, in the background. The artwork primarily uses black ink on white paper, showcasing a detailed linework style with various hatching and cross-hatching techniques to create depth, shadow, and texture. The physical characteristics indicate a standard paper size, possibly 8.5 x 11 inches or close to it, given the visible borders. The composition is focused, drawing the viewer's eye from the cannon, through the street flanked by multi-story buildings with mansard roofs, reminiscent of European architecture, up to the iconic hotel structure. Notable features include the intricate rendering of the cannon's iron barrel and wooden carriage, the bare trees suggesting a late fall or winter setting, and the architectural nuances of the buildings, including windows, balconies, and rooftops. Two small figures appear to be walking in the mid-ground, adding a sense of scale and life to the scene. The condition appears good, with crisp lines and no significant visible damage, tears, or discoloration on the paper. There are no obvious signs of wear or repairs. A signature "H. HAYSE PROULX" is clearly visible in the lower left corner, indicating the artist. This suggests it is either an original drawing or a limited-edition print signed by the artist. Based on the architectural style and transportation, the artwork likely dates to the 20th or 21st century. The craftsmanship is high, demonstrating a skilled hand in perspective, architectural drawing, and the use of ink techniques. The quality can be assessed by the precision of the lines and the overall balance of the composition. The tape visible at the top edge of the image suggests it may have been temporarily affixed for display or storage, which is a minor external factor.