Antoine Blanchard (French, 1910-1988) oil on canvas Impressionist Parisian street scene painting set outside the Galeries LaFayette department store on Boulevard Haussmann in the early 20th century. Figures including women with shopping baskets walk up and down the busy sidewalk while horses and a large carriage navigate the roadway. Colorful signage and glowing lights add warmth to the scene, which takes place on a cloudy day. Housed in a modern, rusticated Louis XV style giltwood frame with tan canvas mat and gilt reveal. With inscription en verso, likely in the artist's hand, reading "A. Blanchard / Paris Les Galerie LaFayette," and a second inscription by another hand reading "2600.00 unframed," along with an old inventory number. Sight: 13" H x 18" W. Frame: 27 3/4" H x 23" W. Biography: Antoine Blanchard began his study of fine arts in Rennes for three years and then studied at the School of Fine Arts in Paris for four years. He exclusively painted Parisian street scenes, depicting the city in all seasons but always in 1900. (Adapted from Dictionnaire Critique et Documentaire Des Peintres Sculpteurs Dessinateurs et Graveurs, New Edition, Volume II, by E. Benezit, published by Editions Grund, 1999, p. 374). Excellent condition.