Jordi Roca, Le Banc Public à Paris, 1980s, Oil on Board, Framed

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Le banc public à paris' ('the park bench in paris'), oil on board, by jordi roca (circa 1980s). This atmospheric, … Read more Le banc public à paris' ('the park bench in paris'), oil on board, by jordi roca (circa 1980s). This atmospheric, sizeable work captures the quiet presence of a parisian public bench beneath the bare trees of winter or early spring. The composition, with its textured brushwork and muted palette, evokes the rhythm of parisian life. Public benches are an iconic feature of the french capital. The first standardised park benches were introduced in the mid-19th century during baron haussmann’s great transformation of paris. Known as bancs publics davioud —after architect gabriel davioud—they became a democratic symbol of the new modern city: free spaces for rest, reflection, reading, or people-watching. Painted in the characteristic parisian green ( “vert paris” ), they remain scattered across the city’s squares, boulevards, and gardens to this day, instantly recognisable to locals and visitors alike. This painting records that urban landscape but also distills something of the parisian spirit: the quiet companionship of the city’s benches, where private lives intersect with public space. It is in good overall condition and newly framed with a linen slip. Artist's signature appears in the lower right hand at bench level (note: 'acor' = 'roca' spelled backwards). Although not visible through the back side protective covering, an experimental, more abstract piece is painted on the reverse (see pics). Please enjoy the many photos accompanying the listing. Dimensions with frame : h 100 cm / 39.4" w 82 cm / 32.3" dimensions without frame : h 88.5 cm / 34.8" w 69 cm / 27.2" about the artist : jordi roca (1929-2018) was a european artist most likely of catalan origin with an established presence in the secondary market. Not much is recorded of his life. His works typically feature on double-sides of the painting surface (such as this one is), suggesting varied or experimental compositions. There are works from the 1950s into the 1990s spanning figurative, abstract and homage styles / motifs. See less