Parisian Street Scene with Sacré-Cœur Print Appraisal
Category: Print
Description
A framed print depicting a Parisian street scene with the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in the background. The print is rendered in a muted color palette dominated by grays, blues, and subtle greens. The foreground features a cobblestone square with several figures walking or seated at outdoor cafe tables, some with red umbrellas. Buildings surrounding the square are rendered in a detailed architectural style, with trees visible among them. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a prominent architectural element. The print appears to be a lithograph or similar printing technique, judging by the fine lines and consistent texture. It is housed in a simple black frame with a thin lighter colored mat. Visible wear includes some light discoloration on the mat and possibly minor surface scuffs on the frame. There is a signature in the lower right corner, appearing to read "Leo Bancourt". The style suggests a 20th-century European influence, likely French. The craftsmanship of the print appears to be of reasonable quality, with good detail in the architectural elements and figures.
Appraisal Report
Based on my visual examination of the provided image of the Parisian Street Scene with Sacré-Cœur print, I can offer the following appraisal. The print appears to be a 20th-century lithograph by 'Leo Bancourt,' based on the visible signature and stylistic elements. The muted color palette and detailed rendering are typical of this period and technique. The condition appears generally good for its age; however, I note light discoloration on the mat and potential minor scuffs on the frame, which slightly detract from the overall presentation. The figures and architectural details are rendered with reasonable quality. Assessing market conditions, I see a steady, though not exceptionally high, demand for Parisian street scenes, particularly those featuring iconic landmarks like the Sacré-Cœur. Prints by less widely recognized artists like 'Leo Bancourt' tend to fall into the decorative art market rather than the fine art investment market. Comparable unsigned or similarly signed prints in good condition often sell in the low hundreds. The rarity is moderate; while this specific print and artist may not be common, the subject matter is very popular. Factors impacting value include the condition issues noted, the artist's current market recognition (which appears limited), and the decorative nature of the piece. The quality of the printing is a positive factor. My valuation is primarily based on the decorative market demand and sales data of comparable framed prints of Parisian scenes by lesser-known artists. It is crucial to state that this appraisal is based *solely* on the image provided. To definitively verify authenticity, including the signature and the nature of the print (e.g., lithograph, etching), an in-person examination is essential. Physical inspection would allow for detailed analysis of the printing technique, paper quality, and closer scrutiny of the signature against known examples of the artist's work if available. Provenance documentation (e.g., history of ownership, original purchase receipts) and potentially scientific testing of the inks and paper would be necessary for full authentication.
Appraisal Value
$100-200