Maurice Utrillo

Private Collection, France (acquired circa 1930s)

Paul Pétridès, L' Oeuvre complet de Maurice Utrillo, vol. I, Paris, 1962, no. 166, catalogued p. 216, illustrated p. 217
Jean Fabris & Cédric Paillier, L' Oeuvre complet de Maurice Utrillo, vol. I, Paris, 2009, no. 112, illustrated p. 172

The painting on artist board has been mounted onto panel and the panel has been cradled. The paint layer is stable.There is some retouching situated in the white wall on the far right addressing three or four cracks. There is also some retouching beneath the signature in an area which may simply be unpainted by the artist and which has since been repainted for cosmetic reasons. There are a couple of other spots of retouch in the sky above the windmill in the lower left and another in the sky at center. Overall the condition is very good and a cleaning and selective varnish will make noticeable improvements. Typically for this artist the paint layer will always be very loose and rapidly applied, but there would be a benefit to a light cleaning. 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.