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T.F. Šimon "Petit Pont, Paris" Framed Original Plate Etching & Aquatint “Booksellers on the Siene”
This is a beautiful, vintage impression of "Petit Pont, Paris" (frequently referred to as Booksellers on the Seine) by the highly celebrated Czech master graphic artist Tavík František Šimon (1877–1942). This captivating work beautifully captures the iconic bouquinistes (open-air book stalls) along the Seine, with the towering spires of the Notre-Dame Cathedral rising through the Parisian atmosphere in the background.
Print Details & Authenticity
Artist: Tavík František Šimon (T.F. Šimon)
Title: Petit Pont, Paris (Circa 1926)
Medium: Original Plate Etching and Aquatint
Signature: Signed in the plate (bottom right). There is no visible hand-written pencil signature making this highly consistent with a fine period restrike or publisher’s edition printed directly from Šimon’s original etched metal plates.
Visual Characteristics: Under close magnification, the print displays exquisite, continuous hand-inked line work and the distinct granular texture characteristic of true aquatint printmaking. It contains no photomechanical halftone dots, suggesting it is an authentic intaglio print rather than a modern digital or lithographic poster reproduction.
Frame: The artwork comes housed in a gilt wood frame with a classic metallic finish. The presentation is elevated by custom dual-matting that perfectly complements the warm, vintage tones of the print.
Total Framed Dimensions: 28" inches Wide x 24 1/2” inches High
Condition: The print is in excellent vintage condition with crisp details, deep ink saturation, and vibrant contrast. It is flat and there is no foxing, tears, or staining visible on the exposed artwork. The matting shows wear commensurate with age and a slight wave (cockling) in a couple of places that are specifically pointed out in the photos (again, this is the original mat, not the print). The frame also shows wear commensurate with age, but is structurally sound and ready to hang. Please see photos.
Don't miss the chance to add this striking, ready-to-hang piece of Parisian art history to your collection or gallery wall!
