George Bagge, Église Saint-Séverin Interior, French Architectural Watercolour 1899

Artist: George Bagge (French, 1853–1918)

Title: Église Saint-Séverin Interior (Paris, 1899)

Date: 1899

Medium: Original Watercolour and Pencil/Ink Wash on Paper

Dimensions: Image size 27 x 21 cm (Cabinet Scale)

Signed: Inscribed on reverse: "Souvenir affectueux / G. BAGGE / PARIS 1899"

Condition: Good antique condition, newly professionally matted and framed

🎨 George Bagge Église Saint-Séverin Interior 1899 | French Architectural Watercolour

This magnificent original watercolour by George Bagge captures the majestic interior of Église Saint-Séverin de Paris (Latin Quarter), a powerful subject that appeals to collectors of history and architecture. Bagge was a highly respected French painter and illustrator who regularly exhibited his architectural studies at the prestigious Salon des Artistes Français, confirming his significant academic standing.

✨ Light, Shadow, and the Gothic Interior

The painting demonstrates an excellent command of perspective, tonal values, and atmospheric depth. Bagge masterfully uses light and shadow (chiaroscuro) to articulate the grand Gothic-style architecture—the heavy, round columns and low, wide arches—creating a dramatic, contemplative atmosphere typical of fine 19th-century European studies.

The inclusion of small figures in the scene provides vital scale, emphasizing the cathedral's awe-inspiring immensity and giving life to the ancient space.

📜 Provenance and Historical Context

The artwork carries ironclad primary-source authentication: a clear, dated inscription on the reverse reading "Souvenir affectueux / G. BAGGE / PARIS 1899". This confirms the piece's exact Victorian-era origin and status as a personally dedicated work by the artist, likely produced during his participation in the annual Paris Salon exhibitions.

🏆 Investment and Collecting Value

This fully documented work of European art history is a valuable and highly desirable acquisition for a discerning collector. The high valuation is firmly justified by its clear provenance to a listed European academic artist and its beautiful, collector-friendly "cabinet" scale.

📍 Available for viewing by appointment at Artemisia Fine Arts & Antiques Ltd. We provide expert consultation, authentication services, framing coordination, insurance valuation, and international shipping with specialized art handlers.

💶 Prices exclude VAT.