Pair of French Chromolithographs w/ Monkey and Shop Scenes circa 1920 - 22" x 17¼"

A pair of early 20th-century French chromolithographs, each depicting a shop or café scene enlivened by a mischievous monkey and a red-haired attendant. Printed on pressed cardboard and set in their original giltwood frames, they retain a gentle, timeworn charm. The palette, with muted ochres, moss greens, and warm umbers, has softened into a sepia cast, while light wear and patina on both prints and frames heighten their nostalgic appeal.

 Playful and humorous, these “chromos” reflect the enduring French taste for singerie, the comic depiction of monkeys in everyday scenes.

Once common in cafés, bistros, and shops, such lively prints brought wit and character to busy interiors. Their slightly worn surfaces now enhance their vintage personality, turning them into decorative fragments of popular culture. Perfect for a kitchen, breakfast nook, or home bar, this pair brings a dash of humor and warmth. Hung above open shelving or a console, they add a spirited, nostalgic note to any interior.