Notre Dame Appraisal

Impressionistic Painting of Notre Dame with Figures on Bridge

This item is an oil on canvas painting, depicting what appears to be a Parisian scene with Notre Dame cathedral prominently featured in the background. The painting is characterized by its impressionistic style, utilizing visible brushstrokes and a soft, somewhat muted color palette, primarily blues, grays, whites, and earthy tones. In the foreground, two figures, likely women, are shown walking along a balustraded promenade or bridge overlooking a body of water, presumably the Seine River. One figure wears a dark blue or black dress and a hat, while the other is dressed in lighter attire, possibly white or cream. The figures' forms are rendered with loose brushwork, prioritizing atmosphere and light over precise anatomical detail. The balustrade exhibits a decorative-patterned relief. A bridge spans the water in the mid-ground, leading the eye towards the iconic structure of Notre Dame with its twin towers. The sky is rendered with varying shades of blue and white, suggesting a slightly overcast or bright day. Foliage, likely trees, is visible on the right side of the composition. The painting is housed in a substantial, ornate gilded frame, featuring elaborate scrolled and floral motifs along its inner and outer edges, indicative of a classic or traditional framing style. The gilt finish shows some signs of age or handling, with possible minor loss or discoloration in areas. A potential signature or inscription, 'éclat' or similar, is faintly visible in the bottom right corner of the canvas, which could be a critical identifying mark for the artist. The overall quality of the artwork suggests a skilled hand, typical of academic or fine art traditions, possibly from the late 19th or early 20th century, given the Impressionistic influence.