Early 20th Century French Watercolor Garden Scene
Signed A. Mercier, dedicated lower right
This serene and sun-dappled watercolor captures a tranquil French garden in bloom, likely painted en plein air in the early 20th century. Signed and inscribed by the artist A. Mercier, the work is delicately rendered with fine atmospheric perspective and naturalistic brushwork. Pink blossoms spill into the foreground, while potted palms and a shaded bench invite the viewer into the quiet elegance of a private courtyard.
Of particular note is the handwritten dedication at the lower right, which appears to read:
“À Mademoiselle Jeanne Coint, hommage de l’auteur” — “To Miss Jeanne Coint, a tribute from the artist”
—or more loosely—
“To Miss Jeanne Coint, with the artist’s compliments”
It’s a formal and respectful dedication, suggesting the painting was either a gift or a commissioned work presented with admiration or esteem.
The painting remains housed in its original French frame with beaded detailing and a Parisian framer’s label verso: H. Marchand, 60 Rue de Paris, Saint-Denis, a noted mirror and gilding shop founded in 1860. This adds provenance and further confirms the painting’s Paris-region origin.
Details:
• Medium: Watercolor on paper
• Artist: A. Mercier (early 20th-century French artist; further research ongoing)
• Dedication: “À Mademoiselle Jeanne Coint, hommage de l’auteur”
• Framing: Original French wood frame with bead border and maker’s label
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light natural toning to the mat
A delicate and timeless composition — perfect for collectors of French art, garden lovers, or anyone drawn to the poetic charm of early 20th-century watercolor.
Early 20th Century French Watercolor Garden Scene
Signed A. Mercier, dedicated lower right
This serene and sun-dappled watercolor captures a tranquil French garden in bloom, likely painted en plein air in the early 20th century. Signed and inscribed by the artist A. Mercier, the work is delicately rendered with fine atmospheric perspective and naturalistic brushwork. Pink blossoms spill into the foreground, while potted palms and a shaded bench invite the viewer into the quiet elegance of a private courtyard.
Of particular note is the handwritten dedication at the lower right, which appears to read:
“À Mademoiselle Jeanne Coint, hommage de l’auteur” — “To Miss Jeanne Coint, a tribute from the artist”
—or more loosely—
“To Miss Jeanne Coint, with the artist’s compliments”
It’s a formal and respectful dedication, suggesting the painting was either a gift or a commissioned work presented with admiration or esteem.
The painting remains housed in its original French frame with beaded detailing and a Parisian framer’s label verso: H. Marchand, 60 Rue de Paris, Saint-Denis, a noted mirror and gilding shop founded in 1860. This adds provenance and further confirms the painting’s Paris-region origin.
Details:
• Medium: Watercolor on paper
• Artist: A. Mercier (early 20th-century French artist; further research ongoing)
• Dedication: “À Mademoiselle Jeanne Coint, hommage de l’auteur”
• Framing: Original French wood frame with bead border and maker’s label
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light natural toning to the mat
A delicate and timeless composition — perfect for collectors of French art, garden lovers, or anyone drawn to the poetic charm of early 20th-century watercolor.