'Paris la Bourse' by Lucien Génin (circa 1930s)

'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, Marcel Leprin, as well as Max Jacob and Dorival. Not concerning himself with producing "art", he beautifully captured the spirit of Paris between the wars while enjoying a truly Bohemian existence. Génin's works, in all their forms, perfectly convey the eclectic and friendly characters of the city. More than a painter of Paris, Génin is a painter of Parisians, of the passion that animates all his characters in the big city. He painted them in the alleys of Montmartre, dining on Place du Tertre, singing in the Lapain Agile, or in a car passing by on the grands boulevards. He exhibited his works at the Salon d'Automne in 1930. Those paintings were witness to the end of the Roaring Twenties and the beginning of the world depression of 1929. The art critics stated that he created intelligent, composed, colourful, sensitive, skilful, delicate, humorous and witty works of art. A painting by Lucien Génin was awarded an important prize from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1932. When they do become available, Génin's artworks inspire spirited bidding at international auction houses as values increase along with his stature in the art world. This gallery holds several works by Génin on this platform. Please feel free to make enquiries.

Dimensions with frame:

H 41.5 cm / 16.3"

W 52.5 cm / 20.7"

Dimensions without frame:

H 23 cm / 9.1"

W 31 cm / 12.2"