Pair Paris Notre Dame Cathedral River Seine Figures Watercolour Gouache

Title
Pair Paris Notre Dame Cathedral River Seine Figures Watercolour Gouache

Key Details
Artist: Henri Miloch (1898–1979)
Medium: Watercolour with gouache on artist’s paper
Size: Each sheet 9.75 x 12.5 inches
Signature: Both signed lower right
Framing: Unframed (presented as a pair)
Date: Undated, likely late 1940s
Condition: Very good; strong, clear colour. Light markings to sheet edges from storage, not visible once framed. No tears or creases. One sheet with a sketch verso.

Description
A wonderfully atmospheric pair of Parisian scenes capturing two distinct views of Notre Dame Cathedral, each approached with Miloch’s characteristic balance of observation and looseness.

The first composition places the viewer along the Seine, with the cathedral rising beyond a line of trees, partially framed by a foreground trunk that draws the eye inward. There is a sense of quiet movement, figures strolling along the riverbank, the architecture emerging through layers of soft colour and sketch-like line.

The second view is more open and contemplative. A solitary figure leans over the stone embankment, looking towards the cathedral, while small groups gather nearby. The scene feels gently animated, yet unhurried, with a subtle play of light across the square and surrounding foliage.

Across both works, Miloch uses watercolour washes to establish tone and atmosphere, while touches of gouache add structure and emphasis. His line remains visible throughout, giving the paintings a spontaneous, almost journal-like quality, as though capturing moments directly from life.

Together, the pair offers a pleasing contrast in perspective and mood, making them particularly effective when displayed side by side. They bring a sense of place without feeling overly formal, and would sit comfortably in a variety of interiors, from traditional to more relaxed, contemporary settings.

Artist Note
Henri Miloch (1898–1979) trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and was a member of the Société des Artistes Français. While much of his work is associated with Breton coastal life, he also produced a number of Parisian scenes, capturing everyday moments with clarity and ease. His paintings are valued for their immediacy, combining confident draughtsmanship with a light, atmospheric touch.