Square de la mairie du 14ème arrondissement, rue Mouton Duvernet le 4 juillet 1917 (1917)

Félix Brard's vibrant watercolor "Square de la mairie du 14ème arrondissement, rue Mouton Duvernet le 4 juillet 1917" offers viewers a captivating glimpse into Parisian life during the early 20th century. Painted with a light and delicate touch, this scene depicts the lively day-to-day activities in a Paris square on a summer day.In the foreground, Brard places the viewer right at the heart of the square, surrounded by lush greenery which is rendered with an array of verdant hues that suggest the full bloom of summer. The painter skilfully captures the play of light filtering through the expansive canopy of mature trees, casting dappled shadows on the inhabitants below.Central to the composition are various figures engaged in seemingly mundane yet charming activities. On the left, a group of elegant ladies in fashionable hats of the period examine goods at a flower cart, lively discussing their potential purchases. This cart, abundant with vibrant blooms, forms a striking visual contrast against the green backdrop. To the right, another vendor sells flowers from a wooden cart adorned with an American flag, hinting at the historical context of World War I and possibly a celebration of American Independence Day, subtly underscoring the influence of international relations on local culture at the time.Children play near the vendors, adding a sense of timeless joy and vitality to the scene, while other passersby stroll leisurely or pause to converse, encapsulating a serene moment of community interaction and everyday pleasure.