Maurice Legendre, Notre Dame de Paris et la Seine (Hand-Colored Etching)

This artwork is a framed, hand-colored etching or lithograph by the French artist Maurice Legendre (1928–2020), depicting the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris seen from the banks of the Seine. The composition features the cathedral's twin towers in the upper left, looming over a river scene with an arched bridge and bare-branched trees, suggesting a winter or late autumn setting. The color palette is composed of muted blues, grays, and secondary earthy tones, typical of Legendre's mid-20th-century style which emphasizes atmosphere over sharp detail. The print is housed in a simple, metallic-finish frame with a cream-colored mat border. Notably, the bottom margin of the print appears to contain a handwritten title, likely in French, and a signature in the lower right corner, characteristic of original limited edition prints. The condition shows some signs of age-related wear; there is a visible scratch or crease in the paper running vertically through the center-left near the cathedral, and the frame shows some minor surface scuffing. Legendre was well-known for his 'Parisian School' landscapes produced during the mid-20th century, and this piece exhibits the soft, Impressionistic line work and delicate hand-tinting that collectors of his work value for their evocative portrayal of historic Paris.

I have examined the digital representation of the hand-colored etching 'Notre Dame de Paris et la Seine' by Maurice Legendre. The work exhibits the characteristic atmospheric quality of the 'Parisian School' and features a hand-penciled signature and title, which are consistent with Legendre’s legitimate output. The artist is well-regarded for these mid-century topographical views, which appeal to collectors of vintage French décor and travelers to the region. From a market perspective, Legendre was a prolific artist, and his prints frequently appear in the secondary market. Current demand for mid-century European etchings is stable but modest. The appraisal value is primarily influenced by the condition; I observed a notable vertical crease or scratch near the cathedral image. In the world of fine art prints, paper integrity is paramount, and such visible defects generally reduce the value by 30-50% compared to a pristine example. The frame appears to be a standard commercial grade with minor scuffing, adding decorative rather than intrinsic value. Comparables for signed Legendre etchings typically hammer at auction between $100 and $400 depending on size and condition. This specific piece sits at the lower end of that range due to the aforementioned damage. Full authentication is limited by the digital nature of this inspection. A physical examination is required to confirm the plate mark depth, ink absorption, and paper texture to ensure this is an original hand-colored etching rather than a later offset lithographic reproduction. I would also need to examine the reverse for acid damage (foxing) or old mounting tapes which could further impact the value. Provenance documentation or a gallery label from a reputable mid-century dealer would further solidify its history.