Paris, Montmartre Utrillo-like Scene, The Poulbots

I am not quite as much of a fan of Montmartre scenes as other art dealers with a French connection, but found this one immensely touching. It has a great feeling sincerity - the artist's connection with this poor part of the city is palpable. Hence, it transcends the Paris Street scene genre, to become something more universal - in the way Utrillo's depictions of the French capital do.

Depicted on rue Lafitte (as is noted by the artist on the verso) are two "poulbots", as the Parisians called street children in the early twentieth century. They are holding hands.

The oil on canvas is signed at the lower right, but I have not been able to identify the artist or even the signature. Dating from the 1910s or 1920s, the canvas has been professionally cleaned and consolidated.

Measuring 55 x 46 cm, the overall size in its original wood carved "Montparnasse frame" are 71 x 62 cm