Expert: Jeni Andrews-Fraser - 3/27/2008

Question
I found a wonderful framed piece of work for just 14.00 at a local thrift store that I think may possibly be a Utrillo Lithograph. I wasn't familiar with Utrillo at the time of purchase, I just loved the colors and the scene. It is signed "Maurice. V Utrillo" and has a very old worn sticker on the back that says Atrist: undecipherable then Title: Moulin De Coalette.  It also reads E 38 (possible lito edition? and 16.00 (price at the time of purchase I would assume).  The scene is from the back of what I think is the Moulin rouge with people just milling around and it is just so beautiful.  I am incredibly happy because I adore Paris and don't plan on parting with it.  I would just like a little more information about it if any exists.  I think Coalette is usually spelled Colette isn't it?

Answer
Hello Amanda - and thank you for your question.  For authentication of your litho, you need to take it to a local fine art dealer.  He or she will be able to decipher the various stickers and let you know what it might be worth.  You should know, however, that Utrillo is one of the most forged artists in history!  Son of Suzanne Valadon (who sat for Renoir and was, herself, a painter) he learned his craft from his mother - painting what he saw.  Your picture is probably entitled 'Moulin de la Galette' (Pancake Mill) - favourite haunt of painters in Paris in the mid- to late-1800s (Renoir has a famous painting by the same name) - Colette is a girl's name.  Enjoy your litho - if it brings back wonderful memories of Paris, then it is priceless.

Here's a link by an obvious fan of Utrillo's work _ some 50 years out of date, I might add:  http://www.rosings.com/cover.html (I can't tell you anything about the site owner/designer, I'm afraid.)

Enjoy!
Cheers
Jeni