Maurice Utrillo

French, 1883-1955

A key figure in early 20th-century French painting, Maurice Utrillo was best known for his atmospheric views of Paris, particularly the streets and façades of Montmartre. The son of painter Suzanne Valadon, Utrillo grew up in a bohemian artistic environment and began painting under his mother’s guidance while working in her studio. 

By the 1910s, Utrillo was discovered by art dealer Paul Guillaume, allowing him to earn a living from his work and gain broader recognition. He became affiliated with the School of Paris, and his paintings, marked by muted tones, heavy outlines, and a melancholic mood, captured the shifting urban landscape with a distinct voice. 

Though his life was shaped by periods of illness and instability, Utrillo’s art remained consistent in its devotion to place. His cityscapes, especially of Montmartre, remain central to early 20th-century French painting and are celebrated for their emotional restraint and architectural skill.