Collector’s Questions: Do You Recognize This Painting?
A reader asks about a signed Paris street scene. Dr. Cavo identifies the location, artist signature, and explains how similar works are typically valued on today’s market.
A signed painting depicting Montmartre raises questions about authorship, origin, and value—and highlights what collectors should know about decorative tourist art.
Q: Do you recognize this painting? How can I determine the value? Any and all help in this matter will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
A: Your stunning painting is clearly signed "J. Carmel '85," and the scene depicted is the Place du Tertre in Montmartre, Paris, a well-known square famous for its outdoor art market and the white domes of Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre visible in the background. Place du Tertre is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, bustling with artists, easels, tourists, and distinctive red café umbrellas—features that match the composition of your painting.
There is no widely recognized biographical information, auction records, or major gallery representation for “J. Carmel” in standard artist databases and published resources. Your painting is most likely produced by a contemporary artist working in the 1980s, perhaps for the decorative tourist art market. Paintings like yours are available on several online venues in the $75.00 to $150.00 range.
Our guest appraiser is Dr. Anthony Cavo, a certified appraiser of art and antiques and a contributing editor to Kovels Antique Trader. Cavo is also the author of Love Immortal: Antique Photographs and Stories of Dogs and Their People.
You may also like:
Villeroy & Boch: Looks Like a Fortune, Priced Like a Find
Dr. Anthony J. Cavo is an honors graduate of the Asheford Institute of Antiques and a graduate of Reisch College of Auctioneering. He has extensive experience in the field of buying and selling antiques and collectibles. Cavo is also the author of Love Immortal: Antique Photographs and Stories of Dogs and Their People.
