Pair Early 20th Century French Paris Gouaches Signed Henry La Touche

$6,375

About

Capture the atmosphere of Belle Époque Paris with this charming pair of antique street scenes. Crafted in France circa 1900, each work is executed in gouache and depicts a lively view of the capital, with pedestrians, horse-drawn and early motor traffic, flower stalls, and elegant Parisian architecture reflected across rain-washed streets.

One composition appears to depict the Grands Boulevards, while the companion scene evokes the area around the Madeleine. Both are rendered with loose, animated brushwork and a muted autumnal palette enlivened by touches of red, green, and gold. The artist skillfully conveys movement, depth, and changing light, creating the lively urban atmosphere associated with turn-of-the-century Paris.

Each gouache is signed lower right “Henry La Touche.” Biographical information on the artist appears to be limited, and he should not be confused with the better-documented French painter Gaston La Touche. Stylistically, however, these works belong to the broader tradition of Parisian street painting associated with artists such as Eugène Galien-Laloue and Édouard Cortès.

The paintings are presented as a true pair under glass in richly molded giltwood frames decorated with scrolling foliate and shell motifs. Both works are in excellent condition commensurate with age and use and retain wonderful decorative presence.

Dimensions: 24″ W x 19.5″ H each.

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