May 19, 2009 10:00 EST
Modern & Contemporary and European & American Art
46
Maurice Utrillo
Maurice Utrillo
French, 1883-1955
L'Eglise D'Aubazine (Correze), 1932
Signed Maurice, Utrillo, V. and dated 1932 (lr); inscribed as titled (ll)
Oil on canvas
18 1/2 x 22 inches (47 x 55.9 cm)
Provenance:
Andre Weil, Paris
Hans Stiebel
Rosenberg & Stiebel, New York
Literature:
Petrides, Paul. L'oeuvre Complet de Maurice Utrillo, Paris, 1969, Vol. III, p. 54, no. 1398, illus.
This charming scene was painted four years after Utrillo was awarded France's Legion of Honor and his worldwide artistic reputation was assured. The subject itself is the church and abbey in Aubazine, a town located in the Corrèze department in the south of France. Built in the twelfth-century by Saint Stephen of Aubazine, the structure was initially home to the Cistercian order.
Upon viewing this simple yet evocative rendition of the Aubazine abbey, it is easy to agree with Maurice de Vlaminck that "one must give an important place in his [Utrillo's] work to cathedrals and churches.When Utrillo paints the imposing bulk of a basilica, or the pointed spire of a village chapel, he unconsciously expresses the love that man feels toward his Creator." Cleary French cathedrals and country churches were a beloved subject for Utrillo, and one that he returned to time and time again. Here, beneath the pale blue backdrop of the sky, the spires and cross atop the Aubazine abbey tower above all else. The building itself takes up half the picture space, seeming to dwarf the trees, buildings and playful children that surround it.
Sold for $68,750
Estimated at $75,000 - $85,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
Maurice Utrillo
French, 1883-1955
L'Eglise D'Aubazine (Correze), 1932
Signed Maurice, Utrillo, V. and dated 1932 (lr); inscribed as titled (ll)
Oil on canvas
18 1/2 x 22 inches (47 x 55.9 cm)
Provenance:
Andre Weil, Paris
Hans Stiebel
Rosenberg & Stiebel, New York
Literature:
Petrides, Paul. L'oeuvre Complet de Maurice Utrillo, Paris, 1969, Vol. III, p. 54, no. 1398, illus.
This charming scene was painted four years after Utrillo was awarded France's Legion of Honor and his worldwide artistic reputation was assured. The subject itself is the church and abbey in Aubazine, a town located in the Corrèze department in the south of France. Built in the twelfth-century by Saint Stephen of Aubazine, the structure was initially home to the Cistercian order.
Upon viewing this simple yet evocative rendition of the Aubazine abbey, it is easy to agree with Maurice de Vlaminck that "one must give an important place in his [Utrillo's] work to cathedrals and churches.When Utrillo paints the imposing bulk of a basilica, or the pointed spire of a village chapel, he unconsciously expresses the love that man feels toward his Creator." Cleary French cathedrals and country churches were a beloved subject for Utrillo, and one that he returned to time and time again. Here, beneath the pale blue backdrop of the sky, the spires and cross atop the Aubazine abbey tower above all else. The building itself takes up half the picture space, seeming to dwarf the trees, buildings and playful children that surround it.
Frame rubbing. Inpainting scattered along the outer edges. Several very small scattered spots of inpainting in the sky. Scattered small areas of craquelure - in the upper center of the sky and along the right edge, from the far right center to the bottom right corner. The edges of the canvas have brown paper tape. Could not detect further restoration. Appears to be in relatively good condition.
Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact and our Organization shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. Please contact the specialist department to request further information or additional images that may be available.
Auction: Modern & Contemporary and European & American Art, May 19, 2009
