Place du Tertre - Maurice Utrillo

A classic lithograph by Maurice Utrillo depicting the historic Place du Tertre in Montmartre, rendered in a clean, linear blue style.

This lithograph captures the Place du Tertre in Montmartre, a location frequently visited by Maurice Utrillo throughout his career. The composition focuses on the architectural character of the square, with the dome of the Sacré-Cœur visible in the distance. Utrillo employs a direct, linear approach, using blue ink to define the cobblestones, the facades of the buildings, and the skeletal branches of the trees. The figures in the foreground are rendered with minimal detail, providing a sense of scale and everyday activity within the historic district. Utrillo is known for his depictions of Parisian streets, often working from postcards or memory rather than direct observation. His work frequently returns to the quiet, empty corners of Montmartre, reflecting a personal connection to the area where he lived and worked. The use of a single colour in this print emphasises the structural elements of the scene, stripping away the atmospheric colouration often found in his oil paintings to reveal the underlying geometry of the urban environment. The print conveys a sense of stillness, characteristic of his approach to the city, where the architecture itself becomes the primary subject. By focusing on the interplay between the solid forms of the buildings and the open space of the square, Utrillo creates a balanced composition that documents the specific character of early twentieth-century Montmartre. This piece offers a clear view of his graphic style, demonstrating his ability to capture the essence of a place through simple, deliberate marks.