Chest of drawers featuring the signature of William Lloyd, Springfield, 1802. The berry-like birch inlay on the skirt of this cherry and white pine chest is an unusual pattern.

NEW YORK CITY – Jill Newhouse, New York in association with Neffe-Degandt Fine Art, London presents a selection of 25 watercolors by Paul Signac depicting the harbors of France.

This group of watercolors, which come from the collection of Gaston Levy, a French collector who founded the Monoprix stores in France, have never before been seen in New York. They will be on view by appointment at Jill Newhouse from October 15 through November 30.

Supported by the patronage of Levy, Signac traveled along the coast of France from 1929 to 1931 producing 100 watercolors of the port cities of France. Each is a depiction of the artist’s favorite subject matter, the ever changing sea, with boats, and a cloud filled sky. Signac conceived these watercolors as a single commission and considered them to be the crowning achievement of his career in this medium. This exhibition shows the best works from this series, depicting many ports that were soon to be changed forever or destroyed by the ravages of World War II.

Mounted to coincide with the Signac painting retrospective exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this exhibition shows Signac at this best as a watercolorist. These watercolors have remained in the Levy family since the time of the commission, stored in albums away from the light, until 1995 when they were dispersed.

As a result, they are in exceptional condition, and retain their vibrant colors. Each work is signed, dated and inscribed with the name of the port depicted. Subjects include Le Havre, Dieppe, Rouen, Trouville, Cherbourg and Bordeaux.

The gallery is at 12 East 86th Street. Telephone, 212-249-9216.