By Lucien Génin
Located in London, GB
'Paris, la Bourse', gouache on paper, by Lucien Génin (circa 1930s). Created at the beginning of the 19th century by Napoleon, la Bourse, or the Stock Exchange, was intended to assert and encourage France’s prosperity in industry and trade. In 1826 the Stock Exchange was installed in the palace that the architect Brongniart had begun in 1808. Surrounded by a large peristyle of Corinthian columns, the rectangular structure reflects the official neo-classicism of the Empire Period. The artist, Génin, depicts a typically lively 1930s day in front of the building with cars of the period zooming by pedestrians on the walkway and others on the stairs leading to the entrance. He has an extremely charming, almost childlike style particularly the way he renders the people and the vehicles. The building, on the other hand, is accurate in its detail and more seriously presented. Our gallery has held and has sold over a dozen of Genin's paintings but this one stands out for its pure stylish appeal and ability to captivate while inducing a smile in the viewer. The artwork is in good overall condition - there are some minor blemishes not on the artwork itself but on the edges of the mount to which it is attached. The frame is in fair condition showing some nicks and scratches. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying the listing. Upon request a video can be provided. Signed by the artist in the lower right hand.
About the Artist: After the devastation of the First World War, Lucien Génin (1894 - 1953) left his provincial home in the autumn of 1919 to find his fortune among the lively Parisians in the heart of Montmartre. Génin befriended the painters Frank Will, Gen Paul, Émile Boyer...
Category
1930s John Emanuel Figurative Paintings