A unique watercolour painting 'Chateau Gaillard' by the French artist Charles Geoffroy-Dechaume (1877–1944), the note on the reverse reads 'Chateau Gaillard (Richard Coeur de Lion Castle) Les Andelys watercolour by Charles Geoffroy Dechaume'. Works by this artist are in the National Portrait Gallery collection in London as well as The Fitzwilliam Museum. Château Gaillard is a medieval castle ruin overlooking the River Seine above the commune of Les Andelys in Normandy. It is located some 95 kilometres (59 miles) north-west of Paris. Construction began in 1196 under the auspices of Richard the Lionheart, who was simultaneously King of England and feudal Duke of Normandy. 
 
The painting exhibits a masterful use of the watercolour medium, Chateau Gaillard dominating the scene above the River Seine with carefully executed detail below, a boat in the foreground and a small collection of buildings amidst a tree lined bank across the river.  The work is framed under glass.
 
The frame size is 44.5 x 37cm (17.5" x 14.5")and the visible picture size 26.7 x 18.7cm ( 10.5" x 7.36").
 
Charles Louis Geoffroy-Dechaume (1877–1944) was a French painter, draughtsman and illustrator. Born in Paris in 1877, he shared his life between England and Valmondois, a commune in Val-d'Oise in France. His work includes portraits, landscapes and illustrations, reflecting an artistic sensitivity marked by the events of his time.
 
During World War I, Geoffroy-Dechaume served as a combatant and was wounded in combat. This experience profoundly influenced his art, leading him to produce works depicting the horrors and realities of conflict. In 2014, the Villa Daumier in Valmondois organised an exhibition entitled "Charles Geoffroy-Dechaume (1877-1944). An artist in the Great War", presenting around fifty original works, including drawings, paintings and sculptures, offering a unique perspective on the war through the eyes of an artist-soldier.
 
Among his notable works is a portrait of the violinist Jelly d'Arányi, held in the National Portrait Gallery in London. 
 Additionally, the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge has drawings by Geoffroy-Dechaume depicting Parisian landmarks such as Notre Dame and Château Gaillard, the subject of this painting.