'Les Corniches of the French Riviera' by André Meurice (1964)

'Les Corniches of the French Riviera', gouache on paper, by André Meurice (1964). The artist, André Meurice, is known for his depictions of entrancing scenes in France, including this lively and lighthearted tableau of elegant motorists along Monte Carlo's famous corniches. The Corniche Roads of the French Riviera consist of three routes following the mountainous stretch from Nice through Monaco to Menton. The Corniche offers dramatic coastal views which can be discovered by car - preferably vintage of course. The French Riviera depicted in this piece is of another era. Longtime resident, Somerset Maugham, coined the memorable description of the Riviera as a "sunny place for shady people". Originally a winter destination, the Riviera became as it is known today when resident American couple, the Murphys, convinced the owner of the Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc to keep it open for the summer. Pioneering sunbathing, Coco Chanel helped popularise it as a beach destination by returning to Paris bronzed after a summer at her Riviera villa. The rest is history. Famous residents included Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, Cole Porter, Rudolph Valentino, Harpo Marx, Dorothy Parker and Pablo Picasso. The artwork is in good vintage condition and has been newly framed and glazed. It is signed: 'A. Meurice 64'. Upon request a video of the piece will be provided. 

About the Artist: André Meurice was active in the 20th century. For someone who has had dozens of paintings sold at the international auction houses, surprisingly little is known of his life. Most of his drawings and gouache works depict elegant and glamorous scenes in France from a bygone era. 

Dimensions with frame: 

H 38.5 cm / 15.2"

W 49 cm / 19.3"

Dimensions without frame:

H 28.5 cm / 11.2"

W 39.5 cm / 15.6"