Maurice Utrillo, 1883-1955

Galerie Paul Pétridès, Paris

Paul Pétridès, L'œuvre complet de Maurice Utrillo, Paris, 1974, no. 2470, illustrated p. 115 (with incorrect medium)

Please note that the correct medium for this work is oil on board attached to canvas and not as stated in the catalogue. There are tackheads visible along all four extreme edges (not visible when framed). There is a 17cm. intermittent line of retouching running vertically from the centre to the bottom edge, surrounded by some small scattered specks of retouching, two nailhead-sized spots of retouching towards the centre right edge and two small lines of retouching towards the upper left corner, all visible under UV light. Apart from some light surface dirt, this work is in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Taking his inspiration from the streets and places in which he was born and lived, Utrillo depicts the Rue Norvins and Place du Tertre in Monmartre with a deep vein of poetic melancholy. Regarded as one of the great French painters of urban scenes, he masterfully depicts strong emotions through simple compositions. The present work is an excellent example of the ordered compositions with flattened space that Utrillo is celebrated for. These elements combine to suggest the artificial appearance of a theatre set, heightened by the tall buildings flanking the quiet winding cobbled street like curtains revealing a stage.