Utrillo, Maurice (1883–1955)

French artist. A self-taught painter, he was first influenced by the Impressionists, but soon developed a distinctive, almost naive style characterized by his subtle use of pale tones and muted colours. He painted views of his native Paris, many depicting Montmartre.

After his Impressionist phase he arrived at his characteristic ‘white period’ about 1909–16, painting in pictures of great beauty the streets and the peeling plaster of white walls in Montmartre, his native quarter, for which he had a deep affection. His style changed from about 1917, with brighter colours and a more rudimentary kind of drawing appearing, though this in turn gradually gave way to a return to his earlier style. Often based on postcards, his views perpetuated the romantic view of Paris, though at their best they possess a touching poignancy and display a subtle use of space. Typical is La Place du Tertre about 1911 (Tate Gallery, London).

Utrillo was the son of Suzanne Valadon. He showed early signs of a neurosis that drove him to alcoholism, and he was encouraged by his mother to paint as a therapeutic measure. He instantly took to art, and from 1903 produced views of Montmagny, where he and his mother lived for a while, and cathedrals and villages taken from picture postcards.