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 (1883-1955) painted Place du Tertre, he didn't know that he was necessarily capturing a vanishing suburban neighborhood of Paris. A frequent hangout and residence of many famous artists including Picasso and Modigliani, this square comprised of shops and bistros was where the young, up-and-coming artistic set would gather for camaraderie, sustenance, and inspiration. Now described as a lost paradise, this section outside of Paris eventually turned its eyes towards tourists and changed the flavor of the neighborhood so much so that the artists left for other more affordable areas of the city. Once an admirer though, always an admirer in Maurice's eyes. He would return to this area, to this subject many times, especially during winter months to capture the shops (patisserie, tabac, vins, epicerie), the streets and the setting which intrigued him with its leafless trees, its aire of authenticity and its muted color palettes. 

Place Du Tertre has become a favorite painting among art collectors and Paris historians, due to the simple fact that Maurice managed to capture the authentic essence of this square before it transitioned into something newer, shinier and more artificially styled.

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, sea green, teal, black, peach, 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.  There a small amount of glue residue (non-sticky) on the top edge of the mat. This condition issue can easily be 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.