His Cezannesque power to correlate sharply defined color planes in a firm architectural pattern is evident in most of his paintings. Alfred Werner 

{HISTORY}

In 1910, when celebrated Parisian artist, Maurice Utrillo painted Bistros In A Suburb he was just on the cusp of becoming a legendary figure in the international art world. Best known for his architecture-themed paintings of Paris neighborhoods, he most often focused on painting scenes of the streets in his Montmarte neighborhood. But in the early years especially, Maurice also spent time putting paint to canvas in the more affordable working-class neighborhoods where he could quietly drink and paint to his heart's content without worrying about producing copycat subjects painted by other accomplished artists working in Paris at the same time.  These neighborhoods were not as picturesque nor as charming as the streets of Montmarte, but Maurice brought attention to these portraits of restaurants and buildings in a unique and engaging way. 

Bistros in a Suburb is notable for its mix of whimsical trees, architectural perspective, and contrasting use of color. Oftentimes, during these early years, Maurice painted these scenes intoxicated and fully prepared to exchange his art for a bottle or two of wine. Later on in his career, these paintings completed before the 1920, would become some of his most valuable to collectors. 

Afflicted by alcoholism and mental illness throughout most of his life, Maurice's work evokes sensitivity in a matter-of-fact way. His style wonderfully captures the internal struggles all humans face of trying to balance lightness with darkness, childhood whimsy with adult practicality, happiness with melancholy, simplicity with intricacy. That combination of opposites, which appears in almost every single one of his paintings is what has elevated his work to genius status and made him one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century. 

In 1953, New York art book publisher Harry N. Abrams produced large-size folios of Utrillo's work for their Art Treasures of the World Series. We rescued 16 of the prints that appeared in this collection from a folio that was falling apart and on the verge of collapse. Luckily all the prints survived unscathed and can continue to be enjoyed for years to come. Printed on heavier card stock each painting print can be lifted on edge to reveal underneath the painting's name, the date it was originally created, and the collection in which the original is held (as of 1953).

 {SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Colors include aqua, brick, pine green, white, chocolate, grey, mint, and sage

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. one side contains a ragged edge where it was salvaged from its dilapidated folio. Please note the deliberate off-center framing of this painting against the card stock mat. There is a very light watermark that runs along the bottom edge that is 1/8"inch wide and some very, very light foxing along the bottom edge and the left-hand edge. Both these condition issues are very faint, barely noticeable, and easily covered should you choose to frame this print. 

{SIZE}

Measures 11" inches (width) x 14.5" inches (length)

{FOR THE ART LOVER}

Look for more of Maurice Utrillo's work here.