Hotel, Neuilly, Paris

Georges Stein 1864 -1917, was a French painter and draughtsman. Stein is well known for his Parisienne Boulevard scenes, this is a typical scene, which was the most popular subject within his works. There is some ambiguity as to whether Stein may have been a female painter the subjects are generally considered to be male inspired as the scene here shows respect for the females predominance within the composition and a general predilection of a male perspective of women's leisurely activities. Either way there is no known constant for the difference of the male or female painter, and consequently we have chosen to follow the general consensus of opinion that Stein was a male painter. This picture shows the subject of an unspecified Hotel, in Paris, where the women are going about their day around the surroundings of a Parisienne Street scene, typically of the early 20th Century. This picture at some point may well have been on display at the Aitken Dott & Son 1880-1984 Gallery in Edinburgh as shown on the label to the rear of the picture, Aitken Dott 1842 -1879 were prominent dealers in fine 19th Century art and impressionist and post impressionist paintings, they were also well known for being frame makers, carvers, gilders, artists colourmen and restorers. It is unknown in what capacity this picture may have been held within their premises, but it is well known that they had dealt in Stein's works, and this picture would not have been out of place within their gallery. I have included another brief biography of the attributed painter. Georges Stein (c. 1864–1917 or 1955) Georges Stein (born Séverin Louis Stein) was a French painter and draughtsman who specialized in capturing the light-infused, bustling scenes of Parisian and London life during the Belle Époque. His work is characterized by spontaneity, dynamism, and movement, offering viewers a nostalgic glimpse into the elegance and daily theatre of a bygone era. Stein is often categorized as a "Paris Boulevard" painter, known for his masterful use of various mediums, including oil on canvas, watercolor, gouache, and pastel. His oeuvre predominantly features iconic urban landscapes, such as the Champs-Élysées, the Opéra, the Moulin Rouge, and various flower markets along the Seine. He populated his scenes with elegant figures, including grandes duchesses, gentlemen, and flower vendors, effectively capturing the atmosphere of the streets and immersing the viewer in the hustle and bustle of city life. He also painted scenes in other European locales, including London, Bern, Geneva, Monte Carlo, and the spa town of Vichy. Stein received formal artistic training as a student of the French master teachers Jules Lefebvre (1836–1912) and Gustave Boulanger (1824–1888). He was a member of the Société des artistes français and exhibited his work at the Salon des artistes français from 1912 to 1914, as well as the Salon des Indépendants in 1906. A significant commission in 1910 led him to produce a set of four large canvases for the decor of the new Élysée-Palace casino in Vichy, which chronicled the leisure activities of society at the time. While some sources offer conflicting information regarding his exact birth (c. 1864 or 1870) and death (1917, 1930, or 1955) dates, his work is held in both private and public collections, including the Musée Carnavalet in Paris and the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire in Melun. Stein's legacy endures as an important chronicler of the Belle Époque, with his works continuing to be highly sought after in the art market. Le Ducq Hotel, Paris.