Parisian Wall Art
These pieces of parisian wall art bring the streets and riverbanks of the French capital into your home through period paint and print.
Parisian Wall Art
Parisian wall art covers framed views of the city, from street scenes and cityscapes of Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower to portraits and posters spanning the early twentieth century. You will frequently encounter oil paintings on canvas alongside vintage prints and posters dating from the nineteen-tens through to the nineteen-sixties.
The selection ranges from Post-Impressionist and Impressionist canvases to Mid-Century Modern and Art Nouveau works. These pieces capture iconic landmarks, quiet river views, and bustling boulevards through the eyes of various international and French artists.
How they were made
Makers utilised oil paint on canvas and pastel on paper, supported by wooden frames finished with gilt. Etchings and vintage posters on paper also appear across the selection.
Artists applied brushwork to capture light and movement, characteristic of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Canvases are typically housed in wood or gilt wood frames that reflect the period of creation.
Several canvases manage to make Parisian traffic jams look entirely romantic.
What varies in quality
The strength of the composition and the handling of paint separate the more accomplished works from simpler decorative pieces. Evidence of a named artist's hand and a well-preserved period frame elevate a piece.
Condition of the canvas, paper, and original framing materials differs across individual items. Works retaining their period frames and signed by recorded artists hold distinct character.
Jean-Gabriel Domergue·Lilian Colbourn·Caroline Burnett·Gabriel Dauchot·Ron Folland·Merio Ameglio·Louis Icart·Hermoine Hammond·Pierre Peltier
The Parisian Wall Art Glossary
- Post-Impressionism
- A movement extending Impressionism while rejecting its limitations, focusing on more symbolic content and heavier brushwork. It defines several works in this collection.
- Impressionism
- A style involving thin yet visible brush strokes and an emphasis on accurate depiction of light. Many of these cityscapes employ this technique.
- Gilt wood
- Wood covered with a thin layer of gold leaf or gold paint. It forms the finish on many period frames in these listings.
- Etching
- A printmaking process where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid. This method creates fine detail on works like Louis Icart prints.
- Belle Epoque
- A period of French history dating to the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. It provides the atmospheric backdrop for early works on this page.
Parisian Wall Art: Frequently Asked Questions
What periods do these pieces cover?
The works span from the early twentieth century through the nineteen-sixties. You will find pieces originating from the nineteen-tens, twenties, thirties, forties, fifties, and sixties.
This broad timeline incorporates the Belle Epoque era as well as the mid-century modern period. Each decade brings its own distinct artistic interpretation of the French capital.
Are these works original oil paintings?
Many of the pieces are original oil paintings on canvas, created by artists recording Parisian scenes. These include textured cityscapes and river views.
Alongside oils, the selection contains pastels on paper, vintage posters, antique prints, and signed etchings. Materials are noted in each individual listing.
How do I hang a vintage frame?
Vintage frames made of wood and gilt require sturdy picture hooks suited to the weight of the piece. Check the condition of the hanging cord or wire on the reverse before mounting.
Ensure the wall fixings match the weight of the timber and canvas combination. Professional framing support can be used if the original structure needs reinforcement.
How should I care for oil on canvas?
Keep canvases away from direct sunlight and damp environments to protect the paint and wooden stretcher bars. Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry cloth.
Avoid using water or liquid cleaners on the paint or the gilt frames. Professional conservators should handle any deeper cleaning or canvas repairs.