MAURICE UTRILLO
(1883-1955)

An important figure in French painting of the early 20th century, the prolific Monmartre-born artist Maurice Utrillo is best known for his picture postcard views of Parisian streets and hills, characterized by sharp perspectives and deserted streets, all executed in his idiosyncratic style of Post-Impressionism, using pale colours - notably white - applied with loose impastoed brushwork. By the 1920s his painting enjoyed huge popular success, and his poetic interpretations of Monmartre helped to define the locality's romantic image.