Maurice Utrillo

Galerie Beyeler, Basel
Acquired from the above in 1986

Jean Fabris & Cédric Paillier, L'oeuvre complet de Maurice Utrillo, vol. I, Paris, 2009, no. 67, illustrated p. 124

The painting on board is very typical of Utrillo's work. The paint layer has a slightly grainy patina which should not necessarily be disturbed. The painting is stable. The texture that one sees to the paint throughought is created by the artist with a palette knife in some areas and brush in other areas. Even the heavily applied lumps of light color in the building at center right are original and intended by the artist. There do not seem to be any restorations or damage. The small sign on the wall on the far right with calligraphy is clearly visible and all the marks in the shutters describing the windows are also very clearly defined, therefore there does not seem to be any abrasion and the likelihood that there is any restoration is very small. The above condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.