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This is a mid-20th-century oil painting attributed to Jean Gautier, a known though relatively obscure artist active in producing romanticized European urban scenes, frequently depicting canals, classical architecture, and historic European towns, likely inspired by cities such as Amsterdam or Bruges. The piece measures 12 x 16 inches (not including frame) and is executed in oil on board or canvas, housed in an ornate, relief-carved, dark-gilded wooden frame.

The work is stylistically consistent with the decorative expressionist school of European cityscapes that gained popularity in the mid-20th century. Artists like Gautier catered largely to the export and tourist market, producing atmospheric, colorful impressions that combine architectural fantasy with romantic nostalgia. These works are often collected for their charm, interior decorative value, and nostalgic appeal rather than strict art-historical significance. The signature appears clear and confidently painted in the lower right corner, in keeping with other known works by this artist.

While Jean Gautier was a prolific painter, his works typically do not reach the high end of the auction market but remain desirable among collectors of mid-century European decorative art. Given its excellent condition, appealing composition, and original frame, this particular example would be well-suited to residential decorative display or mid-tier art markets