My grandmother has a painting that is about 75 years old and I can not find who this is. Its by Jean Robert and the title is "On The Canche River". Im not sure if canche is right because some words has faded. Its a #3 with marks SZL and SLL in a circle on the back of the painting. It is a genuine original french etching. It was imported from Paris and is triangler trade? It also says L. Fle-Je Guern or Gwern. It says like site D. Im not sure if that is anything. I just want to know about this painting and if it is worth anything. The internet is apparently no use at all. he he.

Thomas1970

Hi,
It does appear you have the right title, the Canche seemingly being a river in northern France. Other than that, as you stated, I can find absolutely no info. Sorry I can't be of more help.

RickJ

Jean Robert is one of the artists from the obscure Paris Etching Society.

There are questions about Paris Etching Society artists and their works all over the internet just like yours and they rarely get a response.

Check a few of these out and you'll see what I mean:
http://www.google.com/search?num=100...ng&btnG=Search

zenpainter

Everything has value in aesthetics. You do, indeed, own an original Etching from Paris.
That alone is worth far more than the Patriotic Elephant above can tell you.
Value in that side of the isle, if you get my meaning, hasn't any.

Keep checking it out. Obscure, maybe. But, some of the most treasurable items
are found in obscurity.

valinors_sorrow

Hmm, I have found Paris Etching Society prints listed online, here is one such post:
http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/art/par...ety-25509.html

However it took considerable digging to find each of them and when I saw the sheer volume of the requests, I decided to assume they could surf as well as I and quit answering the posts.

I recall the value of the prints listed online as ranging in price from around $75 to a few hundred but as far as art goes, that isn't considered great value. Not being snobby, just truthful about the art market. There could always be that rare exception but then you really would want a real appraisal on it.

To be fair, it should be noted that an online website won't constitute an appraisal or even a reasonably accurate market value and anyone who suggests otherwise I would not trust. I have paintings and books, both of which I have seen wickedly inflated in online sites by several times over - buyers beware prevails there.

Even my Smith and Wesson, somewhat collectors item revolver was listed on a very sound looking site for $2000 and I paid $300 for it from someone who assured me it was a fair price.

And there is the actual condition of the pieces to consider too. To be exact, a trip to an accredited art appraiser would be needed. It will cost but then you'll have a vouched-for document stating its fair value.

I hope that was helpful?