Technique: Oil on wood
Frame dimensions: 38.5 cm x 33 cm View dimensions: 26 cm x 21.3 cm
Signature: Signed at the bottom of each painting
Description of the works: View of the Arc de Triomphe This work depicts an iconic Parisian scene with the Arc de Triomphe in the background. The atmosphere is enhanced by a golden twilight light, reflecting an autumnal or winter ambiance. It features strollers, vintage vehicles, and trees with sparse leaves, reinforcing the perspective and depth.
Malfroy's impressionist touch, characterized by a subtle play of light and reflections on the wet cobblestones, gives a nostalgic charm to this lively scene.
View of the Porte Saint-Denis and the Grands Boulevards
This second painting depicts the Porte Saint-Denis, another historic Parisian landmark, with a lively street bustling with passersby and vintage vehicles. The humid atmosphere and light reflections on the ground suggest recent rain, capturing the essence of early 20th-century Paris. The contrast between the illuminated building facades and the pastel-hued sky adds a striking depth to the composition.
The paintings are presented in magnificent gilded carved wooden frames, richly adorned with floral motifs and scrollwork, reinforcing their elegant and classical character.
These two works demonstrate Henri Malfroy's talent for immortalizing Parisian urban scenes with a refined Impressionist touch and a luminous palette. Henri Malfroy (1895-1944) was a French painter known for his cityscapes and seascapes, in an Impressionist vein. His work is in the tradition of the painters of the Belle Époque and the early 20th century, capturing the atmosphere of French cities and ports with elegance and sensitivity. He was particularly fond of depictions of bustling Parisian streets, capturing the energy and elegance of the capital in the rain or at sunset.
His paintings of Mediterranean ports and cityscapes were highly sought after by collectors, particularly in France and abroad. He exhibited at several salons and galleries, and his works are now held in private and public collections.
His work is often compared to other Impressionist or Post-Impressionist painters who specialized in scenes of everyday life. Although his name is sometimes less well-known than those of major figures of Impressionism, Henri Malfroy remains a sought-after painter for the finesse of his line and his ability to capture the atmosphere of his time.