Original Watercolor by Octave Lafay (1878-1937) "Mare Bordee D"Arbres", a tree lined pond. Signed by the artist, lower left. In a beautiful gilt wood French period frame, under glass. In Frame 12"x10.25"x1.25". Watercolor 9"x7". Weight is 1 pd. 9 oz. PROVENANCE: From the Private Paris, France and Charleston SC Collection of J. Marterer, author of Paris 201, the Winner of the Benjamin Franklin Awards - GOLD MEDAL (Travel) and Independent Publisher Awards - SILVER MEDAL (Travel). Louis-Octave Lafay (1878-1937) was an artist born in Roanne, France who was a student of Emile Noirot. Lafay was also a professor of drawing at Roanne. He had his first exhibition in 1904, when he participated with Emile Noirot at the Salon of French Artists in the Grand Palais in Paris in 1906. Much of Lafay's early work was very similar to Noirot in their style and technique. Over time, he gave up painting with oils to devote himself primarily in watercolor. This technique seems better suited to his temperament and aspirations. If the influence of Noirot is evident in the oil paintings, Lafay appears to assert his personality and independence through his original watercolors.

Good. Frame has a small 1 inch loss to molding.