Seine River Painting Appraisal

Framed Watercolor Painting of Paris with Eiffel Tower and Seine River

This item is a framed watercolor painting depicting a scenic view of Paris, prominently featuring the Eiffel Tower on the right and the Seine River flowing through the foreground and mid-ground. To the left, a delicate, bare tree with budding white or light-colored leaves stands beside a bridge, possibly Pont Neuf or Pont Alexandre III, with the Sacré-Cœur Basilica visible on a distant hill. In the lower left quadrant, figures appear to be engaged in riverside activities, possibly fishing or mooring boats, with a small boat or barge visible on the water. The art piece captures a vibrant yet somewhat muted color palette, characteristic of watercolor, with soft blues, greens, and grays for the sky and water, accented by warmer tones of reds, oranges, and purples in the foliage and distant lights. The brushstrokes are loose and impressionistic, conveying a sense of movement in the water and atmosphere in the sky. The painting is housed under glass within an ornate, possibly antique or vintage, black frame. The frame features intricate, raised detailing, possibly made of gesso or carved wood, with some areas appearing to show gold or bronze undertones where the black finish has worn, suggesting age and handling. The painting is matted with a dark gray mat board, which creates a visual separation between the artwork and the frame. The visible signature 'Cyril 97' in the lower left corner and the context 'Paris' further identify the artwork. The overall condition appears to be good for both the painting and the frame, though some dust or debris might be visible on the mat or frame in the image. The craftsmanship of the painting indicates an amateur to semi-professional level, focusing on evocative scenery rather than hyper-realistic detail. The estimated age, based on the visible signature '97', could suggest 1997, placing it in the late 20th century.