Rue Ravignan

Ink, Watercolour on Paper

56.6 x 70 cm

This artwork by Fred Borghesi captures an atmospheric and somewhat moody urban landscape, likely inspired by the iconic Montmartre district in Paris. The piece blends expressive watercolor washes with sharp, sketch-like architectural lines, creating a sense of depth and texture.

The vivid, greenish-blue sky indeed has that intoxicating, otherworldly feel reminiscent of absinthe’s reputation in the bohemian Parisian culture. It’s as if the sky itself is steeped in that enigmatic, hallucinatory atmosphere, hovering over the old rooftops of Montmartre.

The rough, expressive brushstrokes and the contrast between the fiery, earthy tones of the buildings and the deep, almost unnatural sky create a dreamlike tension. The handwritten, almost rebellious lettering of “RUE RAVIGNAN” at the bottom reinforces the sense of urban decay mixed with artistic spirit, characteristic of Montmartre’s storied past.

Fred Borghesi seems to merge urban sketching with a moody, impressionistic style, evoking both the grit and the charm of the historic Parisian neighborhood. The artwork feels like a memory or a fleeting impression, capturing the soul of the place rather than just its physical appearance.