Artwork
The Tavern "La Belle Gabrielle"
The Tavern "La Belle Gabrielle" is an oil painting by Maurice Utrillo. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
Maurice Utrillo’s oil on canvas, dated 1916, depicts a modest tavern scene titled “La Belle Gabrielle.” The work is part of the permanent collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. It presents a narrow street flanked by low, tan‑brown façades, a solitary streetlamp, and a muted sky that together convey a moment of urban calm.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a quiet street corner where a tavern, suggested by its signage, anchors the view. Sparse figures linger near the doorway, hinting at everyday life without narrative drama. The restrained palette and still atmosphere evoke a sense of pause, inviting contemplation of ordinary moments within the city’s rhythm.
Technique & Style
Utrillo employs thick, impasto brushwork that gives the surface a palpable texture, especially in the rendered stone and brick. His color scheme favors subdued earth tones, punctuated by occasional brighter accents that catch the eye. The overall handling reflects his characteristic focus on structure and mood rather than detailed realism.
History & Provenance
Created during the First World War, the painting entered the Art Institute of Chicago’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century, though precise purchase details remain undocumented. Its presence in the museum’s collection underscores Utrillo’s reputation as a chronicler of Parisian streets and modest interiors.
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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.
