Artwork
Place du Tertre à Montmartre
Place du Tertre à Montmartre is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Maurice Utrillo. It dates from 1911 and is held in the collection of the Norton Simon Museum.
About this work
Overview
Maurice Utrillo’s 1911 oil on canvas presents a view of Place du Tertre, the historic square at the heart of Montmartre. The composition captures the modest architecture of the neighborhood, with its tightly packed façades, chimneys and uneven rooftops, set against a pale sky that softens the bustling street scene.
Subject & Meaning
The work records a moment in the everyday life of Montmartre, emphasizing the worn character of its buildings and the intimacy of the square. By focusing on the modest, weathered structures, Utrillo conveys the resilience of the district’s working‑class residents and the enduring charm of its narrow streets.
Technique & Style
Utrillo employs confident, broad brushstrokes and a palette of whites, browns, and muted blues. The texture of the paint suggests the rough surfaces of the façades, while the contrast between light and shadow creates a shallow sense of depth. The overall effect balances realism with a slightly stylized, atmospheric quality.
History & Provenance
Created in 1911, the painting entered the collection of the Norton Simon Museum, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in early twentieth‑century French urban scenes and Utrillo’s role in documenting Parisian neighborhoods.
Context
Utrillo, a central figure of the Montmartre School, often portrayed the district’s streets and squares, capturing their transformation during a period of rapid urban change. This canvas aligns with his broader oeuvre that documents the everyday architecture of Paris rather than its grand monuments.
Artist & collection
Artist
Maurice Utrillo was a French painter of the School of Paris who specialized in cityscapes. From the Montmartre quarter of Paris, France, Utrillo is one of the few famous painters of Montmartre to have been born there.
