Paris Late 19th Century / Pont Neuf / Henri Michel-levy (1844-1914) / Oil On Canvas

This painting depicts an iconic view of Paris, centered on the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge still in use in the French capital. On the right, the equestrian statue of Henri IV dominates the Place du Pont Neuf, a major historical symbol. The trees visible on the right belong to the Square du Vert-Galant, a peaceful garden located at the western tip of the island.

54 x 73 without frame
68 x 87 with frame

The Seine, animated by two boats, shows the dynamism of the time: a steamboat, typical of the 19th century for the transport of passengers or goods, and another smaller boat, which could be a precursor of the Bateaux Mouches, these emblems of river tourism that were born during the Universal Exhibition of 1867. Stylistically, the work, influenced by Impressionism, is distinguished by its play of light and atmosphere, particularly in the reflections of the water and the soft shadows. The warm, bright colors create a peaceful harmony, and the artist subtly captures the interplay between historic architecture, emerging modernity, and everyday Parisian life. This painting by Michel-Henri Lévy has been carefully restored by our professionals in our workshops and is in excellent condition, ready to be displayed.

Henri Michel-Lévy, born July 11, 1844 in Passy and died September 17, 1914 in Paris, was a French Impressionist painter. The son of Michel Lévy, a merchant, and Thérèse Emerique, he came from a family of Lorraine origin. He added his father's first name to his name to avoid confusion with other artists with a similar name. A student of Félix Barrias and Antoine Vollon, Michel-Lévy associated himself with Impressionist circles, frequenting Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, and Eugène Boudin in particular. He exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon from 1868 to 1914, where he won distinctions including a third-class medal in 1881 and a bronze medal at the 1889 Universal Exhibition. His works are known for their treatment of everyday life and their Impressionist influence. His work included portraits of figures such as Auguste Guerbois, the owner of the famous Café Guerbois, a meeting place for artists of the time. He also produced landscapes evoking urban and rural life, influenced by Boudin. Several of his works are held in French museums, including the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée Baron Martin de Gray.