Lepine Appraisal

L'ancienne Estacade, Paris by Stanislas Lépine

This item is an oil on canvas painting attributed to the French artist Stanislas Lépine (1835–1892), depicting 'L'ancienne Estacade' in Paris. The work is housed in a highly ornate, 19th-century style Barbizon or Louis XIV revival giltwood frame featuring deep relief scrolling acanthus leaves, floral motifs, and shell-like corner ornamentation. The canvas itself displays a moody, atmospheric city perspective typical of Lépine’s Pre-Impressionist style, utilizing a palette of muted grays, ochres, and dusky blues to capture the light reflecting off the Seine. The brushwork appears delicate and tonalist in nature. The frame shows signs of age-appropriate wear, including minor cracking in the gesso (craquelure) and some darkening of the gilding, which adds a desirable antique patina. There appears to be a nameplate at the bottom center of the frame, likely identifying the artist. The overall composition centers on the historic wooden pier (estacade) that connected the Île Saint-Louis to the mainland, a favorite subject of 19th-century Parisian painters. The craftsmanship of the frame is exceptional, suggesting a high-quality production intended for gallery or salon display. The painting's age is estimated to be circa 1870-1890, consistent with Lépine’s period of activity in Paris.